Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Gatlinburg, TN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended historical view of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the developing hair strand's fibers. When taken from near the scalp, it can detect alcohol and other drugs for an approximate period of 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches comprising about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent body hair amount may be gathered. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair; body hair includes all other types (beard, axillary, and so on).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning starts with the sample's entry into a laboratory’s system. This step ensures that the sample is sealed and transported properly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes remaining data entry tasks not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves an initial assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening is cost-efficient for negating drug use in most cases, a positive screen requires verification to be court admissible. Any samples with a presumptive positive result during Screening need further confirmation.

If a sample shows a presumptive positive outcome in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive result are cleaned prior to confirmation, if necessary. The comprehensive process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair authentication and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection span.
• Challenging to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is considerably difficult, enhancing result precision.
• Captures historical patterns: It can depict drug use trends over time, rather than only recent use.

Limitations:

• Limited recent use detection: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is typically pricier than alternate testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth variations may influence metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the testing focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gatlinburg, TN

• Hair follicle testing outranks urine testing in Gatlinburg due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. With a detection window up to 90 days, hair tests offer an extensive overview of drug use history.
• Unlike urine tests, which offer a shorter detection span, hair tests provide a robust and reliable method against potential substance use cover-ups.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Gatlinburg, TN

• Hair follicle testing's remarkable ability to track drug use up to 90 days back offers a comprehensive picture of an individual’s substance history, crucial for employers.
• This prolonged detection period gives employers a thorough understanding of an employee's long-term habits, which is not possible with other testing methods.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Gatlinburg, TN

• Significantly reducing the likelihood of sample tampering, hair follicle tests in Gatlinburg deliver credible results. The inherent nature of these tests ensures reliable substance use detection.
• These tests are conducted under supervision, further discouraging any attempt to adulterate the sample, guaranteeing authenticity in results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Gatlinburg, TN

• Our nationwide network of testing sites, including accessible locales in Gatlinburg, ensures ease and convenience for testing access, reducing hassle for individuals and employers.
• This broad reach guarantees a seamless process, making drug testing a straightforward and efficient experience.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Gatlinburg, TN

• The hair follicle testing process in Gatlinburg is straightforward and confidential, from ordering to result receipt, prioritizing privacy concerns.
• This ensures a smooth experience for individuals needing tests, with assurance of confidentiality throughout the entire procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Gatlinburg, TN

• Gatlinburg testing facilities offer competitive pricing with quick turnaround times, presenting excellent value to businesses of all sizes.
• The balance of cost-efficiency and swift results makes hair follicle testing an attractive choice for companies seeking reliable drug testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Gatlinburg, TN

• Hair follicle drug tests in Gatlinburg provide rapid and precise outcomes. The method’s accuracy highlights its superiority in detecting substance use, ensuring dependable results swiftly.
• Employers can rely on these expedited testing services to make informed decisions, adding to its utility in professional environments.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Gatlinburg, TN

• Employers in Gatlinburg can confidently uphold drug-free workplace standards with hair follicle testing, mitigating legal risks and enhancing a safe work environment.
• Utilization of hair testing ensures strict adherence to company policies while providing peace of mind through reliable and defended outcomes.

Drug Testing Near Gatlinburg, TN

Dandridge, TN

Chilhowee, TN

Chestnut Hill, TN

Pittman Center, TN

Dunn Creek, TN

Beech Springs, TN

Wear Valley, TN

Knob Creek, TN

Fair Garden, TN

Fairgarden, TN

Sevierville, TN

Pigeon Forge, TN

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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