Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Arlington, SD

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for uncovering substance and alcohol consumption. Hair affords a prolonged record of alcohol and drug usage by encapsulating biomarkers within the threads of the hair shaft as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to nearly a 90-day period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair sample collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A segment measuring 1.5 inches of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a number 2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for tests and verifications. For EtG, add-ons, or screenings beyond ten panels, a 150mg amount of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If no scalp hair is present, an equal portion of body hair is acceptable. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, and so on).

Processing Summary

The four essential phases in the lab handling of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a specimen in a lab’s system. This involves ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for illicit substances. Though Screening is an economical way to exclude drug usage on most samples, a screen that is positive must be affirmed to be legally admissible. Any specimens that show a preliminary positive in Screening mandate further verification.

If a specimen is initially positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and set up for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at notably reduced levels compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.

Verification of any positive screen outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples suggested to be positive are cleaned prior to verification if needed. The full process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair stipulations and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.

Benefits of hair drug analysis:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug analyses can identify drug use over a span of up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a reduced detection timeframe.
• Hard to falsify: It is extremely difficult to falsify results in a hair drug analysis, increasing result accuracy.
• Delivers historical info: It can illustrate a trend of drug consumption over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Unable to identify recent consumption: Detection in hair requires approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug analyses generally cost more than alternative drug examination methods.
• Inconsistencies in results: Elements like hair color and the unique characteristics of individual hair growth may influence the concentration of drug remnants in the hair.

Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually evaluates the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Choose Hair Over Urine Tests?
In Arlington, SD, hair testing offers a remarkable advantage over traditional urine tests. It provides a more reliable and accurate method of drug detection. With an extended detection window, it offers superior accuracy, capturing a broader history of substance use compared to urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Expanded Detection Timeframe
Hair follicle testing in Arlington, SD offers an extended detection timeframe, tracking drug use history for up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers with a comprehensive insight into a person's substance history, ensuring well-informed hiring decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Robust Tamper-Resistance
The hair follicle test is a reliable choice in Arlington, SD due to its significant resistance to tampering. The testing process minimizes the risk of sample manipulation, bolstering the accuracy and reliability of the results obtained.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accessibility and Convenience
With numerous testing centers across the nation, and local ones in Arlington, SD, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is straightforward. These widespread facilities ensure a hassle-free and convenient testing process, saving valuable time.

Simple, Confidential Process

Effortless and Confidential
In Arlington, SD, the simplicity and confidentiality of the hair follicle testing process are paramount. The seamless procedure from ordering to receiving results safeguards user privacy and guarantees user-friendly service.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Budget-Friendly and Swift Results
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times characterize hair follicle testing services in Arlington, SD. Businesses can benefit from superior value, tangible savings, and quick results without compromising on quality or assurance.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast and Precise Detection
Hair follicle drug testing in Arlington, SD is renowned for delivering swift and accurate results. These tests excel at identifying substance use, ensuring high precision, and allowing faster response times. The specialized analysis techniques employed contribute to its reputation for reliability.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Compliance and Safety
By employing hair follicle testing in Arlington, SD, employers can uphold workplace safety, adhering to drug-free policies. This reduces legal exposure and fosters a secure working environment, providing peace of mind for employers.

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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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