Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Boswell, OK

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying substance use involving drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a historical record of substance ingestion by embedding biomarkers within the fiber structure of the growing hair shaft. When acquired near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a nearly 90-day detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to acquire, has some resistance to tampering, and is convenient for transportation.

A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for assessment and validation. For EtG tests, additional analyses, and/or screenings beyond 10-panel tests, a quantity of 150mg from the sample is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. When referencing head hair, it specifically means hair on the scalp. Body hair encompasses other types of hair (such as facial or armpit hair).

Overview of the Process

The drug testing laboratory process comprises four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

In Accessioning, the sample is first processed into the lab's system. This stage includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and transported, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening involves an initial rapid evaluation for signs of drug misuse. Although Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug use in most cases, a positive result requires a follow-up confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples with a presumptive positive result from Screening need further confirmation.

If a sample is flagged as presumptive positive during the Screening, additional hair is utilized for the Extraction phase. Here, drug compounds are isolated from the hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or saliva), justifying the complex nature of hair drug testing.

Confirmation of any presumptive positive outcomes from Screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples suggesting positive results undergo necessary washing prior to confirmation. The process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized following both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Benefits of hair drug tests:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests offer a detection timeframe of up to 90 days, as opposed to the shorter timeframe seen with urine tests.
• Resistance to manipulation: It is notably challenging to deceive a hair drug test, enhancing the accuracy of the results.
• Tracks usage patterns: Provides insights into usage trends over time, not just recent consumption.

Drawbacks:

• Cannot track immediate use: Drugs become detectable in hair only after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than alternative drug screening techniques.
• Variable outcomes: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence metabolite concentrations within hair.

Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests," the procedure examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Boswell, OK
Hair testing offers superior accuracy compared to urine tests, capturing a longer history of substance use. Its enhanced detection capabilities and undeniable reliability ensure a more thorough and comprehensive drug screening, crucial for employers and individuals who require utmost accuracy in their testing procedures.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Boswell, OK
Hair follicle testing boasts a detection period of up to 90 days, far surpassing that of urine tests. This extended window enables employers to gauge a more complete picture of an applicant's or employee's drug and alcohol use history, essential for thorough assessments and informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Boswell, OK
Hair follicle tests offer a substantial advantage in being resistant to tampering. The integrity of the samples is maintained from collection to analysis, minimizing the potential for adulteration and providing trustworthy results that stakeholders can rely on with confidence.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Boswell, OK
With an extensive network of testing centers located nationwide, including local sites in Boswell, our services are accessible and convenient, ensuring hassle-free and prompt testing processes for all clients in need of our reliable services.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Boswell, OK
Ordering, conducting, and obtaining results from our hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential. Our process is designed to maintain privacy and ease for our clients, addressing any concerns while ensuring smooth and discreet handling of sensitive information.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Boswell, OK
We offer competitive pricing structures alongside rapid result processing, providing excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Our efficient service ensures companies receive high-quality testing and quick results without a hefty price tag.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Boswell, OK
Hair follicle drug testing provides precise and swift results, ensuring comprehensive detection of substance use. Its sensitivity and speed make it an excellent choice over other testing methods, giving timely and reliable outcomes for both organizations and individuals seeking reassurance in testing accuracy.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Boswell, OK
Employers can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies by utilizing hair follicle testing, reducing legal liabilities and enhancing safety. This reliable method provides assurance that policies are thoroughly upheld, fostering a secure and compliant workplace environment.

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What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.

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