Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Coyle, OK

What it is, How it works

Hair screening has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When gathered closely to the scalp, hair can offer almost a 3-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. Collection of hair is easy and tough to tamper with, plus it’s convenient for shipping.

A sample sized at 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (resembling a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of specimen is preferred. It is advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can’t be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair are solely about scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types such as facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning constitutes the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This process verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and sent, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a primary quick test for drugs of abuse. Screening is cost-efficient for discounting drug use in the majority of samples; however, to be permissible in court, a positive screen needs confirmation. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.

In the event that a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other techniques such as urine or oral fluid, underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.

GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS processes confirm any positive screening outcomes. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection period: Hair drug tests detect drug use up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection span.
• Test integrity: Cheating on a hair drug test is highly challenging, thereby enhancing result accuracy.
• Shows past usage patterns: Provides a timeline of drug use, rather than just recent intake.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect immediate use: Approximately 5-7 days are needed for drugs to appear in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other drug screening methods.
• Result variability: Variables like hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence the drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Coyle, OK, hair follicle testing provides superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. Hair analysis can identify drugs or alcohol consumed within a 90-day window, making it a more effective method for long-term detection. This makes it the preferred choice for employers who demand high reliability and a more comprehensive review of substance use.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Coyle, OK value the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing, stretching up to 90 days. This duration allows for a thorough investigation of an individual's substance usage history. The test offers a broader look into past behavior, which assists companies in making informed hiring or ongoing employment decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

One major advantage of hair follicle testing in Coyle, OK is its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other testing methods, hair analysis minimizes the chances of sample adulteration. This ensures that the results are both reliable and undisputable, strengthening the credibility of drug testing outcomes for organizations and institutions.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including convenient options in Coyle, OK, accessing required services is straightforward and efficient. This widespread availability allows for easy testing at locations that best suit an individual's needs, reducing logistical hassles and saving time.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Coyle, OK, our testing process is both simple and confidential, from ordering tests to obtaining results. Privacy concerns are addressed thoroughly, providing peace of mind to clients. The ease with which tests are administered and results are communicated reinforces trust and convenience for participants.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our services in Coyle, OK offer affordable pricing with fast turnaround times, ensuring excellent value for companies of all sizes. We prioritize cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality, delivering prompt results that meet the diverse needs of employers and individuals alike.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Coyle, OK are known for their speed and precision in identifying substance use. Unlike older testing methods, they offer quick and accurate analysis, providing results that can be relied on with confidence. The test quickly processes samples to ensure rapid results, making it ideal for timely decision-making in various situations.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing in Coyle, OK ensures compliance with drug-free policies in the workplace, helping to mitigate legal risks and promote safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are utilizing a method that not only adheres to regulations but also enhances the security and productivity of their workspace.

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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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