Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Pelzer, SC

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly regarded as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended historical view of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair's fibers. When sourced from near the scalp, hair can reveal a drug and alcohol use history spanning nearly three months. The collection of hair is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and the samples are easy to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp amounts to 100mg of hair, which is the optimal size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG analyses, special tests, or more than 10-panel assessments, a specimen weight of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weight measurement is advisable. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be acquired. By "head hair," we specifically mean hair from the scalp. "Body hair" encompasses all other types (face, underarms, etc.).

Process Overview

In the laboratory, the four primary steps that complete a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory's system. This step confirms that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplemental data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial swift assessment for potential drug abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient and can eliminate drug use in most samples, to be court-admissible, any positive findings need further confirmation. Samples suspected of being positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

Should a sample indicate potential positivity during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this stage, hair releases drugs at a notably lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most intricate methodology.

Confirmation of any positive result occurs through techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that presumptively test positive undergo washing before confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory journey from Accessioning through to Confirmation is scrutinized following the guidelines set by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection duration: Hair drug tests can discern drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection period.
• Challenging to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is exceedingly difficult, thus ensuring more precise results.
• Historical usage patterns: Hair tests can reveal a prolonged pattern of drug use, detailing more than just recent activities.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Detection in hair requires about 5-7 days post usage before becoming viable.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier compared to other drug detection methods.
• Result variance: Aspects like hair color or unique growth variations may influence the level of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although they are often called "hair follicle tests," the examination targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Pelzer, SC, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests in numerous ways. The reliability of hair tests is notable as they offer a wider detection window and higher accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which are limited by shorter detection periods, hair testing unveils a more comprehensive substance history.

The enhanced detection capabilities of hair tests make them the preferred choice for employers seeking a thorough assessment of drug use, ensuring adherence to policies and safeguarding workplace integrity.

Extended Detection Window

The hair follicle drug test in Pelzer, SC, offers an extended window of detection, observing drug use up to 90 days. This duration greatly exceeds that of other methods, providing employers with an insightful look into an individual's substance history.

With a broader detection timeframe, hair testing is invaluable for employers aiming to assess true substance use patterns, presenting a clear portrayal of an applicant's or employee's historical drug interactions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Pelzer, SC, is a tamper-resistant method, minimizing the chances of sample adulteration. This integrity ensures trustworthy and undisputed test results.

Thanks to its robust process, hair testing reduces the risk of manipulation, providing employers with confidence in the authenticity of drug test outcomes and supporting enforced zero-tolerance policies.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing makes it easy to access services with our nationwide and local facilities in Pelzer, SC. Our conveniently located centers ensure testing is straightforward and stress-free.

Whether conducting routine screenings or new hires, our strategically placed facilities provide quick access to testing, ensuring the process is as seamless as possible for all involved.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Pelzer, SC, the process for hair follicle testing is simply designed for your convenience. Ordering and receiving results are straightforward, ensuring a confidential and user-friendly experience.

Ideal for individuals valuing privacy, the streamlined procedures offer the confidence that results will be handled with discretion and efficiency, respecting the privacy concerns of all clients involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times assure excellent value for companies in Pelzer, SC. Accredited Drug Testing provides cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.

Businesses benefit from our prompt services, receiving timely results that align with their financial considerations, making us a preferred option for cost-conscious organizations.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug testing in Pelzer, SC, stands out for its speed and precision. This method ensures results that are both fast and highly accurate, offering an unparalleled measure of assurance for detecting substance use.

Employers and individuals benefit from the rapid turnaround time associated with hair testing. The accuracy in revealing substance consumption surpasses many traditional methods, making it a go-to choice for reliable drug testing.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

By implementing hair follicle testing, employers in Pelzer, SC, can maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This approach not only minimizes legal exposure but also fortifies workplace safety.

The peace of mind provided by hair testing allows businesses to effectively promote a safe and compliant work environment, ensuring policies are adhered to, thereby reducing potential challenges.

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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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