Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Hydro, OK

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as a potent means to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged record of alcohol and other drug use by embedding markers within the fibers of the growing hair. When taken from near the scalp, hair can extend up to a roughly 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirming. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests with more than 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weight is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, an equal quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

Four key steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the primary processing of a sample into the lab’s system. This process verifies that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is an initial swift check for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-saving method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples that appear positive in Screening necessitate a further confirmation test.

Should a sample appear positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Drugs are removed from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most complex method to execute.

Confirming any positive screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection range: Hair drug tests identify drug use for up to 90 days, while urine tests have a shorter detection span.
• Hard to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is very challenging, ensuring results are more reliable.
• Offers historical insights: It reveals a pattern of drug use over time, not just recent usage.

Drawbacks:

• Inability to identify recent use: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Outcome variations: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the examination analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hydro, OK: Hair testing offers substantial advantages over traditional urine tests. Its unparalleled detection accuracy and reliability make it the preferred choice for employers and organizations. Hair follicle testing identifies drugs long after consumption, unlike urine tests which are limited to recent use.

When comparing both methods, hair follicle tests provide a longer detection window and are much harder to manipulate. This ensures employers in Hydro, OK can trust results to uphold workplace safety and compliance.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Hydro, OK: One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days. This provides employers with a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance history, instrumental in making informed hiring or disciplinary decisions.

This extended detection window is invaluable for companies in Hydro, OK, seeking to assess a potential employee’s drug use effectively over a longer duration than other testing methods allow.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hydro, OK: Hair follicle testing significantly diminishes the risk of sample adulteration. This method's robust nature ensures reliable and uncontaminated results. In Hydro, OK, employers value the integrity of hair follicle tests, making them the go-to choice for drug screening.

Unlike urine tests, which are susceptible to tampering, hair testing provides peace of mind by protecting the validity of results, crucial for maintaining strict drug-free policies.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hydro, OK: The wide reach of our testing centers allows for easy access to hair follicle testing services. Hydro, OK, residents can seamlessly access our facilities, supporting easy testing processes for all.

With numerous locations nationwide, our services are designed to be hassle-free. This ensures that clients can conveniently undertake hair follicle tests without disruption.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Hydro, OK: Our hair follicle testing offers a straightforward and confidential experience. From test ordering to result retrieval, privacy is maintained, alleviating client concerns about sensitive information.

In Hydro, OK, businesses and individuals can rely on our discreet process, guaranteeing not only ease of use but also the safeguarding of personal data through secure handling of test outcomes.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hydro, OK: Our competitive pricing models, combined with speedy result turnaround, deliver excellent value for businesses seeking efficient drug testing solutions. Hydro, OK, employers benefit from quick, accurate testing outcomes.

With cost-effective solutions and rapid processing times, hair follicle testing empowers companies to maintain budget-friendly yet reliable drug screening practices, ensuring peace of mind at accessible rates.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hydro, OK: Hair follicle testing stands out due to its remarkable precision and speed. This advanced testing method efficiently identifies substance use, guaranteeing high accuracy. Employers in Hydro, OK, prefer it for swift, accurate results, ensuring informed decisions on workplace safety.

Choosing hair follicle tests means benefiting from quick processing times and reliable outcomes. The precision of this method makes it indispensable for businesses aiming to maintain stringent drug-free environments.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hydro, OK: Emphasizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, enhancing safety and reducing legal risks. Businesses opting for this method benefit from reliable drug screening, vital for regulatory compliance.

Employers in Hydro, OK, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, fostering a safer work environment by mitigating potential substance abuse issues within their workforce.

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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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