Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Brinkman, OK

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When collected from near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to about 90 days for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to alteration, and simple to send.

A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands (around the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, or for tests exceeding ten panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. We recommend using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be collected. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair such as facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

The primary phases of laboratory processing for drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial setup of a sample in a laboratory's system. This step confirms that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers a preliminary, expedited assessment for potential drug use. While Screening is a budget-friendly approach to excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples deemed preliminarily positive during Screening necessitate additional verification.

If a sample is preliminary positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Drugs are then extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening a more challenging method to perform.

Verification of any positive screening outcomes is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed for compliance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug usage up to three months prior, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection period.
• Reduced likelihood of tampering: Cheating a hair drug test is challenging, ensuring more precise results.
• Tracks historical consumption: This test charts drug use over time instead of just recent activities.

Limitations:

• Limited to older usage: Drugs need approximately 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Higher cost: Generally, hair drug tests are more costly compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Result variations: Factors such as individual differences in hair growth and hair color can influence metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although often described as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself, not on the follicle under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Brinkman, OK, hair follicle testing presents clear advantages over traditional urine testing methods. With superior detection capabilities, hair tests identify substance use with unparalleled accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection window, hair tests provide results that are not only reliable but also comprehensive.

The increased detection window of hair testing in Brinkman ensures a more thorough analysis, making it a preferred method for employers and professionals. Its accuracy and reliability far surpass that of traditional urine tests, offering peace of mind and precise insights into substance use histories.

Extended Detection Window

In Brinkman, OK, one of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Able to identify drug use for up to 90 days, this testing method offers an in-depth look at an individual's substance history, which is crucial for employers wanting a comprehensive overview.

Hair follicle tests in Brinkman provide a longer detection period compared to traditional methods. This thorough perspective helps employers make informed decisions regarding applicants or employees, ensuring a safer and more informed workplace environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Brinkman, OK, offers significant advantages in providing reliable results. This method reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring the integrity and credibility of the test outcome.

With hair testing in Brinkman, the possibility of cheating is nearly eliminated. The stringent collection process verifies sample authenticity, offering organizations results that are both accurate and trustworthy in the fight against substance abuse.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers the convenience of extensive testing centers nationwide, including Brinkman, OK, streamlining access to services. Our widespread locations ensure that reliable and hassle-free testing is always within reach.

With numerous local testing centers in Brinkman and across the nation, our services are easily accessible. This convenience allows individuals and organizations to experience seamless testing processes without undue travel or delay.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Brinkman, OK, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the method prioritizes user privacy and ensures a seamless experience for all involved.

Our simple and private procedures in Brinkman address privacy concerns effectively. Clients can trust in a secure testing process that is easy to navigate, ensuring confidentiality and peace of mind from start to finish.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing in Brinkman, OK, offers competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, demonstrating commitment to affordability without sacrificing quality. Quick turnaround times further enhance value, providing reliable services at budget-friendly rates.

Companies in Brinkman benefit from our affordable yet high-quality hair testing services. With fast results and cost-effective pricing structures, organizations of all sizes can enjoy peace of mind knowing their testing needs are met efficiently.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Residents of Brinkman, OK, can rely on hair follicle drug tests for swift, precise, and dependable results. These tests excel in accurately identifying substance use, thanks to their advanced testing methods. By providing fast and reliable results, hair testing stands as a top choice for professionals seeking substance evaluation.

Utilizing cutting-edge technology and experienced analysts, hair follicle testing in Brinkman ensures results are both rapid and precise. The high accuracy of these tests is essential for various applications, offering peace of mind to those requiring valid and dependable results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For Brinkman's employers, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies effectively. This testing method safeguards organizations by minimizing legal risks while enhancing workplace safety, ultimately providing peace of mind for all stakeholders involved.

Embracing hair follicle testing in Brinkman, OK, helps employers maintain compliance and uphold safety standards. This approach not only mitigates potential liabilities but also reinforces a culture of responsibility and well-being in the workplace.

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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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