Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Millington, TN

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is regarded as an effective means to detect drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol consumption for a period of up to three months. Hair is easy to gather, comparatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assays over 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler's scale is suggested for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't present, a proportional amount of body hair can be sourced. Scalp hair refers exclusively to hair from the head. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the preliminary processing of a specimen into a laboratory's database. This involves ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data input not included in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary examination for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use in the majority of cases, a favorable screen must be verified for it to be court-admissible. Specimens that show a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.

For samples with a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is considered highly complex.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed before confirmation when required. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets the accreditation for ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which offer a limited detection period.
• Difficulty to falsify: Falsifying a hair drug test is exceedingly challenging, which enhances the precision of the results.
• Historical insights: It provides a timeline of drug consumption patterns over time, not just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: It requires about 5-7 days for drugs to appear in hair.
• Higher cost: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier compared to other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair and urine drug tests in Millington, TN, hair testing emerges superior due to its broader detection capabilities. Urine tests typically pinpoint recent usage, whereas hair tests provide a longer diagnostic window, signaling usage patterns over months. This makes them ideal for organizations prioritizing comprehensive screening.

The hair follicle test is less prone to manipulation, offering objective results that reinforce employer trust in the testing process. Its expansive timeframe allows for a thorough assessment of an individual's substance use history, an advantage over traditional urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

The hair follicle drug test offers a notable advantage with its extended detection window of up to 90 days, unlike other testing methods. In Millington, TN, this allows employers to gain a fuller picture of an employee's drug usage history beyond recent activities, facilitating better-informed hiring and retention decisions.

This comprehensive look into past substance use gives businesses a stronger foundation for maintaining workplace safety. It serves as an effective tool for monitoring applicants and current employees, thus ensuring a drug-free environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the potential for sample tampering. In Millington, TN, this test is celebrated for its resilience against adulteration attempts. As samples are taken directly from the scalp and observed during collection, the possibility of altering results is considerably reduced, ensuring trustworthy outcomes.

This resistance to tampering makes hair testing a preferred method for those seeking certainty in test results. By providing consistent integrity, companies trust this approach to safeguard their testing processes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous testing locations across the nation, Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy access to services. In Millington, TN, clients appreciate the convenience and accessibility of local centers. This network simplifies the testing process, making it accessible to all without unnecessary travel or delays.

The expansive reach of testing centers guarantees a streamlined experience, meeting the demands of both local and national clients effortlessly. The goal is to facilitate hassle-free access to essential testing services at competitive rates.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Millington, TN is straightforward and respects client confidentiality. Ordering, conducting, and receiving test results are all designed to minimize hassle, ensuring a seamless experience. Privacy is prioritized throughout, making the procedure both simple and secure for all parties involved.

The format ensures that clients can confidently manage their testing needs without logistical or privacy concerns. This user-centric approach aligns with the expectations of both individual and corporate clients.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordability and quick result turnaround are key attributes of our hair follicle testing in Millington, TN. By offering cost-effective solutions, Accredited Drug Testing caters to companies of varying sizes, providing excellent value. This economic approach does not compromise the quality or timeliness of results.

Competitive pricing and fast processing times make hair testing an attractive option for businesses looking to safeguard their workforce while managing expenses wisely. This balance translates to substantial savings and optimal efficiency for clients.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle test boasts both swiftness and precision in results. In Millington, TN, this method stands out for its rapid turnaround without compromising clarity. Coupled with high detection accuracy for various substances, it ensures dependable outcomes. This efficiency makes it a preferred choice for those needing quick and reliable results.

One key feature of hair testing is its ability to consistently deliver exact findings. This is particularly beneficial for those in urgent need of swift but detailed substance use insights. Companies and individuals alike appreciate the assurance of quality without unnecessary delays.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Millington, TN benefit from hair follicle testing in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. The assurance of accuracy and consistency supports legal needs, reducing organizational liabilities. By fostering a safe work environment, these tests contribute significantly to organizational peace of mind.

Using hair tests fortifies a company's stance on drug-free practices, enhancing credibility and trust. This not only aids in risk management but also strengthens the overall workplace culture, reflecting a commitment to safety and compliance.

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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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