Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Tribbey, OK

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is widely viewed as an effective means for detecting substance use. Hair strands capture biomarkers as they grow, offering a historical record of consumption. When taken from near the scalp, hair samples can reveal drug and alcohol presence for up to a 90-day period. Collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch portion consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp provides 100mg, which is optimal for tests and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes other types like facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The primary phases in processing a drug test in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning starts with integrating the sample into the lab's system by confirming proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data not included in an electronic chain of custody.

Screening serves as an initial examination for drug presence. While economical for excluding drug use in most cases, positive screenings require confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples flagged as positive during Screening demand further confirmation.

For samples flagged in Screening, additional hair is extracted for the Extraction phase. This involves extracting drugs from hair at concentrations lower than those in other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing particularly challenging.

Positive screening outcomes undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples preliminarily positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. Laboratory procedures from Accessioning through Confirmation adhere to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair tests trace drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a shorter span.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair test is notably difficult, thereby increasing accuracy.
• Chronological data: It presents a timeline of drug use, beyond just recent instances.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect immediate use: Drugs appear in hair only after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair tests tend to be pricier than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual growth rates can influence metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", these analyses examine the hair strand itself, not the hair follicle located under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Tribbey, OK
Hair follicle testing offers a distinct advantage over traditional urine tests with its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can identify drug use over a longer period, making them a preferred choice for employers and legal entities. This method delivers a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance history, reducing the likelihood of misuse or error.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Tribbey, OK
One of the greatest advantages of hair follicle drug testing in Tribbey is its extended detection window, capturing drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain an all-encompassing view of a candidate or employee’s substance history, facilitating better decision-making and enhancing workplace safety. The considerable period ensures that drug use is effectively monitored.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Tribbey, OK
The hair follicle testing method significantly diminishes the risk of sample tampering compared to other testing methods. This ensures that the results obtained are both reliable and trustworthy. As a secure testing option, hair analysis provides uncontested results, giving employers and organizations peace of mind in their drug testing processes in Tribbey.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Tribbey, OK
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing centers across the nation, making it easy to access hair follicle drug testing services. Local sites in Tribbey and throughout the country ensure quick and hassle-free testing processes for all clients. This accessibility guarantees that testing needs are met efficiently and effectively.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Tribbey, OK
Our hair follicle testing process in Tribbey is straightforward and discreet, providing ease from order to result reception. Protection of privacy is paramount, ensuring participants feel secure throughout. The seamless procedure ensures that individuals and employers can conduct testing confidently, addressing any privacy concerns.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Tribbey, OK
Take advantage of our competitively priced hair follicle testing services in Tribbey, known for quick turnaround times. Companies of all sizes benefit from our cost-effective pricing structure, ensuring excellent value without compromising quality. Fast and accurate results provide peace of mind, making it an economically wise choice.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Tribbey, OK
Experience the remarkable precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Tribbey. These tests are designed to provide highly accurate readings for substance use, enabling quick and dependable outcomes. Their advanced detection capability ensures trustworthy results, making hair follicle testing an effective choice for individuals and organizations.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Tribbey, OK
Employers in Tribbey can secure compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle drug testing, reducing legal risks and liability. This method fosters a safer work environment while enhancing the safety of all employees. By choosing hair testing, companies demonstrate a commitment to maintaining high standards of workplace integrity and safety.

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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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