Hair Follicle Drug Testing - North Central Pittsburg, OK

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to approximately three months for these substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively secured against tampering, and convenient for transportation.

A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches and containing about 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, considered the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. When we mention head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The sequence of laboratory steps when processing a drug test result consists of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial integration into a laboratory’s system. This stage ensures the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation for it to be valid in a legal context. Samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening need further confirmation.

When a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory work, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is comprehensively reviewed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests recognize drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection period.
• Challenging to deceive: It is notably challenging to circumvent a hair drug test, thereby enhancing result reliability.
• Offers historical insight: It outlines a pattern of drug use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs become visible in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests usually incur greater costs than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Variables like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle underneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in North Central Pittsburg, OK is clear due to its heightened detection abilities and accuracy. Unlike conventional urine tests, the hair follicle method uncovers drug use over a longer timeframe.
Employers benefit from the detailed substance history it provides, and its robust reliability outweighs the limitations of urine testing.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in North Central Pittsburg, OK highlights the unique advantage of hair follicle testing, which tracks substance use up to 90 days. This lengthened window is crucial for employers aiming to understand an individual’s drug history comprehensively.
Compared to other tests, this approach offers unparalleled insights over an extended period.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in North Central Pittsburg, OK remarkably reduces sample tampering risks. Hair follicle tests deliver results with enhanced reliability and credibility, minimizing adulteration chances.
This testing method becomes essential for employers requiring trustworthy test outcomes and serves as an exceptional deterrent to dishonest practices.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in North Central Pittsburg, OK offer hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services. Thanks to a wide network of centers across the nation, testing becomes straightforward and efficient.
This convenience is paramount for individuals needing quick and straightforward testing solutions locally and beyond.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in North Central Pittsburg, OK ensures ease and discretion throughout the testing experience from order to result. Every step prioritizes user privacy, giving individuals confidence in their data's security.
The uncomplicated procedure aligns with personal needs, offering assurance and reliability in handling sensitive information.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in North Central Pittsburg, OK reinforce our commitment to delivering cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. Our pricing strategy and quick return time provide unparalleled value.
Companies of all sizes benefit from the financial convenience and swift results aligned with their operational demands.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in North Central Pittsburg, OK thanks to the superior technology of hair follicle testing. Unlike traditional methods, this approach boasts high precision and fast assessment times, detecting substance use with exceptional accuracy.
Laboratories process samples efficiently, ensuring timely feedback while maintaining their strong reliability in identifying drug use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in North Central Pittsburg, OK with hair follicle testing ensures strict adherence to workplace drug policies. By mitigating legal issues and enhancing safety, this testing method provides companies with peace of mind.
It reassures employers that their zero-tolerance policies are respected and upheld through reliable validation.

Drug Testing Near North Central Pittsburg, OK

Northwest Pittsburg, OK

Alderson, OK

Longtown, OK

Stidham, OK

McAlester, OK

Pittsburg, OK

Krebs, OK

Scipio, OK

Eufaula, OK

Carlton Landing, OK

Blocker, OK

Hanna, OK

Crowder, OK

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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