Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Fayette Corners, TN

What it is, How it works

Hair examinations are recognized as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows, hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month detection span for substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable volume of body hair may be used. When referencing head hair, it relates solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary steps in the lab handling of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is about initially processing a sample within a lab’s system. This includes confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a swift initial examination for substances of abuse. While Screening serves as an economical means to rule out drug consumption for most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in legal settings. Any samples suggested as positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.

Should a sample present as potentially positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly reduced concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for hair drug testing being the most complex approach.

The confirmation of any positive screening result occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation as required. The whole lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the guidance of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug tests identify drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a briefer detection period.
• High resistance to tampering: Cheating a hair drug test is challenging, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Offers past usage data: Reflects a pattern of drug use over time, not solely recent consumption.

Drawbacks:

• Incapable of detecting recent consumption: Drugs require about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Price: Hair drug assessments generally incur higher costs than alternative methods.
• Inconsistent results: Elements such as hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Despite being often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle below the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Prevails over Urine Testing in Fayette Corners.

• The ability of hair testing to detect drug use over a longer period is unmatched.
• Compared to urine tests, hair testing offers increased accuracy and consistency due to its extended detection window and authenticity.

For a comprehensive view of drug history, hair follicle tests offer a much broader and detailed perspective.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Windows in Fayette Corners make hair follicle testing the ideal choice.

• Hair tests provide insights into drug use over the past 90 days.
• This prolonged detection capability enables employers to fully understand an applicant's substance history.

Such a lengthy detection period ensures a thorough examination of an individual's drug habits.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Resistance to Tampering sets hair follicle tests apart in Fayette Corners.

• These tests deliver trustworthy results by minimizing the risk of sample manipulation.
• Employers and legal professionals can rely on them for incorrigible evidence of drug use.

The security provided by hair testing methods ensures confidence in the accuracy of the results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accessible Nationwide and locally in Fayette Corners, our testing locations provide convenience.

• Our centers across the country allow quick and easy access to drug testing services.
• The widespread presence ensures hassle-free experiences for all clients, regardless of location.

With a network of readily available centers, getting tested is straightforward and unobtrusive.

Simple, Confidential Process

Effortless and Private Processes offered in Fayette Corners simplify drug testing.

• From ordering to receiving results, our procedures ensure confidentiality and ease.
• Safeguarding privacy and simplifying the process alleviate concerns individuals may have.

The discreet nature of our testing ensures a safe environment for all clients.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive Pricing and Quick Service define our offerings in Fayette Corners.

• We provide value through affordable pricing and fast processing of test results.
• Businesses of all sizes benefit from our cost-effective and prompt services.

Our promise of value and efficiency ensures satisfaction and peace of mind for all companies.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Precise Outcomes in Fayette Corners spotlight the efficiency of hair follicle drug tests.

• These tests stand out for their quick processing and delivery of accurate results.
• Recognized for their precision, hair tests identify substance use with utmost reliability, making them the favorable choice for thorough screening.

The accuracy and speed of hair testing is unparalleled, aiding in swift decision-making for both individuals and organizations.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Assurance are within reach for Fayette Corners employers.

• Utilizing hair follicle tests helps businesses adhere to drug-free workplace policies.
• Such compliance significantly reduces legal risks, enhancing the safety and peace of mind at the workplace.

Ensuring workplace safety and legality becomes easier with these reliable testing options.

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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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