Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Goble, OR

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and other substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to nearly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A hair sample of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, extended panels, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen weight. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning comprises the initial processing phase where a sample is entered into a lab's system. This step includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary expedited check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for dismissing drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples that yield presumptive positives in Screening require a secondary confirmation test.

If a sample shows a presumptive positive result during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. During Extraction, substances are removed from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), thus making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.

Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation, as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under 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 can detect substance use for up to 90 days, contrasting with urine tests which have a more limited detection timeframe.
• High resistance to manipulation: It is extremely challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, leading to more reliable results.
• Historical usage data: It can indicate patterns of substance use over time, rather than just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs require approximately 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Higher cost: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than other drug testing approaches.
• Variability in results: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can impact the concentration of drug metabolites within the hair.

Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Superiority of Hair Testing Over Urine Tests in Goble, OR
Hair follicle tests excel where urine tests fall short. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent drug use, hair tests can identify substances used over months. This expanded timeframe gives a more extensive view of an individual's drug history, improving accuracy and reducing false negatives often seen in urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Period in Goble, OR
Offering an extended detection window, hair follicle tests analyze up to 90 days of substance use. This comprehensive view helps employers make informed hiring decisions, ensuring a substance-free workplace. Candidates can be evaluated on their history, not just recent actions, leading to better workforce integrity.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Secure Testing in Goble, OR
Hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant method, significantly lowering the chances of sample adulteration. This reliable and consistent testing method ensures authenticity, making it a trustworthy choice for employers and legal bodies looking for undeniable results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accessible Testing Locations Nationwide and Locally in Goble, OR
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures that you can access hair follicle tests wherever you are. Local and national reach make the testing process convenient, quick, and hassle-free, supporting individuals and companies in need of efficient testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

Effortless and Private Testing in Goble, OR
Our simple approach ensures confidentiality at every step of the process. From ordering to testing and receiving results, our streamlined processes prioritize user privacy and ease of use, making it a straightforward solution for all clients concerned about discretion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Value with Speed in Goble, OR
Experience competitive pricing and fast turnaround. Our pricing structures are designed to fit various budget needs, while our quick processing times offer peace of mind and return on investment for organizations of all sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Quick and Precise Outcomes in Goble, OR
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched accuracy and speed. Detecting even the smallest traces of drug use, these tests can quickly confirm any substance presence with remarkable reliability. This efficiency ensures fast results, crucial for employers needing speedy background checks or individuals wanting fast peace of mind.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Compliance and Security in Goble, OR
Employers opting for hair follicle testing bolster their compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This approach minimizes legal risks and enhances safety across the workplace, providing peace of mind for businesses and fostering a secure environment for all staff.

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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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