Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Nemo, SD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has evolved as a robust means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. This method offers a comprehensive history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to roughly a 3-month substance use history for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests above 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair indicates all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The main stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the preliminary entry of a sample into a lab’s infrastructure. This encompasses ensuring proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not covered by an automated chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid review for drug presence. Although Screening provides an economical means to dismiss drug use for most samples, a confirmed positive result is necessary for court acceptance. Any samples showing tentative positivity during Screening must undergo additional confirmation.

In the event of a presumptive positive outcome at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, hair is subjected to extraction at substantially reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), posing a significant challenge in hair drug screening.

Confirmation of positive Screening results is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating potential positivity undergo washing before confirmation as warranted. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug assessments can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which possess a shorter detection timeframe.
• Minimal susceptibility to deception: It is notably challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, enhancing result reliability.
• Chronological drug usage data: It provides insights into drug use patterns over time, beyond immediate consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: A delay of approximately 5-7 days is required for drug identification in hair.
• Expenses: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Often referred to as "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Nemo, SD, hair follicle testing provides several advantages over urine testing. Hair tests are more effective in detecting a wide array of substances and offer a superior detection period. Unlike urine tests which can only detect recent substance use, hair tests cover up to 90 days, providing valuable insights into an individual's long-term behavior.

With enhanced accuracy, hair tests in Nemo are a preferred choice for employers aiming for comprehensive assurance against drug use, significantly reducing the chances of false negatives compared to urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

In Nemo, SD, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing proves invaluable. Unlike other testing methods, hair analysis can reveal drug use over a 90-day period, furnishing employers with a detailed history of an individual's substance habits.

This prolonged observation period allows for a thorough assessment of an applicant's or employee's past behavior, ensuring informed decision-making and enhancing workplace integrity.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing stands as a deterrent to tampering, offering Nemo, SD a reliable testing method. Compared to other tests, the chances of adulteration or substitution are significantly diminished, providing results of impeccable integrity and trustworthiness.

Employers and officials in Nemo can rest assured that hair tests mitigate many risks associated with tampering attempts, ensuring that outcomes are reliable and beyond reproach.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Nemo, SD, the convenience of having testing locations nationwide ensures individuals have quick and easy access to Accredited Drug Testing's services. With local centers strategically placed, accessing drug testing has never been more hassle-free.

Our network of testing facilities across the country signifies our commitment to availability and convenience, ensuring that no matter where you are, quality testing services are within reach.

Simple, Confidential Process

Accredited Drug Testing in Nemo, SD provides a straightforward and confidential process for testing. From booking to getting the results, the steps are designed to be hassle-free, with particular emphasis on user privacy and ease of use.

The confidential nature of our service aligns with the needs of individuals and companies who prioritize both privacy throughout the testing process and simplicity in execution.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Nemo, SD, Accredited Drug Testing is recognized not only for quick turnaround times but also for its competitive pricing. Companies of all sizes can benefit from our cost-effective services, which promise fast and efficient results without breaking the bank.

This affordability and speed offer value for businesses seeking reliable testing solutions that align with their budgetary constraints, ensuring peace of mind alongside service excellence.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Residents of Nemo, SD can count on hair follicle drug tests for quick, precise, and reliable results. Compared to other forms of drug testing, these hair tests offer unparalleled speed in processing and accuracy in uncovering substance use, ensuring that individuals, employers, and authorities receive results they can trust.

Speed and Efficiency are crucial in drug testing, and hair follicle tests excel in this respect. Turnaround times are rapid, ensuring stakeholders receive timely updates, while the accuracy remains uncompromised, affirming credibility.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Nemo, SD find peace of mind with hair follicle testing as it ensures adherence to drug-free policies. By employing this testing method, organizations reduce legal liabilities and foster safer working environments, crucial for maintaining a productive workforce.

Compliant practices are assured with hair tests, promoting a culture of safety and lawfulness, crucial for companies aiming to uphold strict no-drug policies effectively.

Drug Testing Near Nemo, SD

Rockerville, SD

Central City, SD

Gayville, SD

Lead, SD

Deadwood, SD

Buffalo Chip, SD

Rapid City, SD

Sturgis, SD

Rochford, SD

Blackhawk, SD

Summerset, SD

Johnson Siding, SD

Tilford, SD

Silver City, SD

Piedmont, SD

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