Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Redwood, OR

What it is, How it works

Hair assessments are increasingly recognized as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures an extended timeline of narcotic and alcohol use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of the developing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month detection period for narcotics and alcohol. Collection is straightforward, tampering is fairly challenging, and the material is convenient for shipping.

A 1.5-inch sample comprising about 200 hair strands (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, the perfect quantity for evaluation and validation. For EtG, supplementary analyses, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. An accurate measure can be achieved using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unobtainable, a comparable volume of body hair is suitable. In the context of head hair, this refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The quartet of fundamental phases in the lab analysis of a drug test outcome includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning concerns the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab’s framework. This process verifies correct sealing and transportation of the sample, the allocation of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and the completion of any supplementary data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides a preliminary rapid examination for drugs of potential misuse. Although Screening offers a budget-friendly method to discount drug use across most samples, a positive screen necessitates verification to be court-admissible. All samples provisionally positive in Screening demand a secondary validation.

Upon a provisional positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and readied for Extraction. In this procedure, drug compounds are extracted from hair at notably reduced concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening an intricate methodology to execute.

Validation of any positive screening outcome is undertaken through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive specimens undergo washing prior to confirmation if required. The laboratory journey from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug evaluations can identify drug use up to 90 days, contrasting with urine tests which have a reduced detection period.
• Resistant to manipulation: Fraud in hair drug assessments is exceptionally challenging, ensuring more dependable results.
• Offers historical insights: Capable of delineating a pattern of drug consumption over time, not merely immediate usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Roughly 5-7 days are required before drugs become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments tend to incur higher costs than alternative testing methodologies.
• Result variability: Drug metabolite concentration in hair can be influenced by variables such as hair pigment and individual hair growth differences.

Note: What is frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests" in fact pertains to the analysis of the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Redwood, OR, one can see distinct advantages. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy, reliably identifying substances that urine tests might miss.

Longevity in detection makes hair testing a preferred option, as it can identify drug use over a longer period than urine tests, giving employers more comprehensive insights.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window for drug use in Redwood, OR, stretching up to 90 days. This wide span offers an employer a detailed view into the substance use history of applicants or employees.

The broadened detection timeframe is invaluable for ensuring a safe and compliant workplace, allowing for informed decisions rather than limited spot checks.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

One of the key strengths of hair follicle tests in Redwood, OR, is its tamper-resistant nature. This type of testing greatly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, providing clear, unquestionable results.

Because samples are typically collected under observation, the chances of tampering are significantly reduced. This ensures that the results genuinely reflect an individual's substance use history.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide centers, including accessible facilities in Redwood, OR, obtaining a hair follicle test is both quick and easy. Our widespread locations ensure convenient access to testing services.

Whether locally or elsewhere, individuals can find a nearby center to conduct necessary testing without hassle, reinforcing the commitment to accessible healthcare and workplace services.

Simple, Confidential Process

Accredited Drug Testing in Redwood, OR, offers a simple, secure process from ordering to receiving results. Our streamlined procedures respect personal privacy while ensuring efficiency.

Clients can easily schedule tests, participate in the process, and receive confidential results, all designed to minimize stress and maximize convenience and confidentiality in drug testing.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our drug testing services in Redwood, OR, are not only fast and reliable but also affordable, making them accessible for companies of all sizes. Competitive pricing ensures excellent value without sacrificing quality.

With quick turnaround times, businesses benefit from both cost-effectiveness and rapid results, key elements for maintaining productivity and compliance in the workplace.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing in Redwood, OR, ensure that results are fast, accurate, and reliable. Hair testing is noted for its exceptional ability to detect a wide range of substances with high accuracy.

Quick results are crucial in making informed decisions, whether for employment or legal purposes. Hair follicle testing provides this efficiency without compromising accuracy.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Redwood, OR, hair follicle testing means compliance with drug-free workplace policies is easier to maintain. Reliable testing methods like these lessen the legal risks associated with drug use in the workplace.

Employers gain peace of mind, knowing that hair testing effectively supports maintaining a secure and productive work environment, aligned with legal and policy requirements.

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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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