Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Kirksey, SC

What it is, How it works

Hair sampling is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a record of long-term use of substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands during hair growth. When taken from near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeframe of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and convenient for shipping.

Gathering a 1.5-inch segment of nearly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional components, or beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen's weight. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory steps involved in processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial sample processing to integrate it into the lab’s system. This involves ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive outcome requires Confirmation for legal admittance. Samples testing positive during Screening need additional Confirmation.

For samples showing positive results during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is taken and prepared for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than with other methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of any screened positive result is performed via methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to Confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Sustained detection period: Hair drug tests can unveil drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a more limited detection period.
• Challenging to manipulate: Cheating on a hair drug test is notably difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Yields historical insights: It illustrates a pattern of drug usage over time, rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent use: Detection of drugs in hair requires approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in growth can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Kirksey, SC, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine testing due to its superior accuracy and longer detection window. Hair tests can identify substances used up to 90 days prior, providing more comprehensive insights. Unlike urine tests, which capture recent use, hair tests offer a broader historical view, enhancing reliability for employers and entities that require thorough screenings.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Kirksey, SC offers an extended detection period up to 90 days, presenting employers with an elaborate view of a subject's substance use history. Unlike shorter-term tests, this method reveals patterns that extend well beyond current habits, thereby allowing for informed decisions based on a comprehensive perspective of the individual's drug use over time.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Kirksey, SC, hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant means of drug detection. This method minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that results remain reliable and credible. The nature of hair testing makes the results trustworthy, preventing users from easily altering findings and offering peace of mind through uncompromised accuracy.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing streamlines access to testing services with a network of centers nationwide, including locations in Kirksey, SC. This widespread availability ensures convenient testing for all clients, offering straightforward and accessible options for hair follicle drug assessments. The strategic placement of these centers guarantees minimal hassle for those seeking testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Kirksey, SC, the process of hair follicle testing remains simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the protocol is designed to protect privacy and ensure ease of access. The discreet handling of samples and results assures individuals of the confidentiality of their data, promoting a hassle-free testing experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Recognized for affordability, Accredited Drug Testing in Kirksey, SC offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. Tailored for all business sizes, our pricing structures ensure cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality. Clients benefit from prompt results, making it a cost-efficient choice for companies seeking reliable and fast drug testing.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The accuracy and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests make them a valuable asset in substance testing in Kirksey, SC. These tests deliver precise results rapidly, ensuring that organizations can rely on them for effective substance use assessments. They stand out for their ability to accurately detect a wide range of substances over longer periods, setting themselves apart from traditional testing methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Kirksey, SC benefit from hair follicle testing as a tool for maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method helps reduce legal liabilities and enhances overall safety. By implementing comprehensive drug screening practices, organizations can foster a secure and compliant work environment, ensuring peace of mind for both employers and employees.

Drug Testing Near Kirksey, SC

Johnston, SC

Cross Hill, SC

Edgefield, SC

Saluda, SC

Plum Branch, SC

McCormick, SC

Coronaca, SC

Troy, SC

Chappells, SC

Greenwood, SC

Verdery, SC

Promised Land, SC

Fairforest, SC

Ninety Six, SC

Epworth, SC

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews