Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Sharon, TN

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting substance use. It captures a prolonged history of alcohol and other drugs by incorporating biomarkers in the fibers of the maturing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal up to roughly a 3-month detection period for substances. Hair sample collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen should be obtained. It is advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If hair from the scalp is not available, a comparable volume of body hair may be obtained. The term head hair pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary stages involved in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a specimen into a laboratory’s framework. This step ensures the specimen was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any outstanding data input not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody protocol.

Screening consists of a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug consumption for most specimens, a positive result requires verification to be permissible in legal proceedings. Any specimen that tests presumptively positive during Screening necessitates additional confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening process, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Preparation in Extraction. In this phase, substances are separated from hair at a much lower intensity than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to conduct.

Verification of any positive Screening result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if deemed necessary. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the oversight of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the authorization to ISO / IEC 17025 guidelines.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, compared to urine tests which have a shorter detection frame.
• Resistant to tampering: It is significantly complicated to alter a hair drug test, ensuring more precise results.
• Offers historical insights: It can illustrate a pattern of substance use over time, rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent consumption: It takes about 5-7 days for substances to become noticeable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments are typically costlier than other testing methods.
• Result discrepancies: Aspects like hair color and personal differences in hair development can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the examination actually assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Sharon, TN, hair follicle testing provides a clear advantage over traditional urine tests. Superior detection accuracy, coupled with reliability, sets them apart. Employers and courts, aiming for stringent drug policies, find this method far-reaching.

Hair tests can track drug history far longer than urine tests, offering a substantial detection window. This makes them ideal for zero-tolerance environments where accuracy is non-negotiable.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection period of hair follicle testing in Sharon, TN, gives employers a detailed view of a person’s substance use over 90 days. This long window captures recurring patterns, supporting informed hiring decisions.

Employers benefit from this extensive overview, gaining insights into an individual's substance history beyond immediate trends—a critical tool for maintaining workplace integrity.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing in Sharon, TN, is its tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly reduces the chance of manipulating results, ensuring reliable outcomes.

With stringent sample collection procedures, hair tests provide unquestionable results that employers and legal entities can trust, reinforcing their position as a vital tool for accurate drug screening.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Sharon, TN, our nationwide testing centers offer unparalleled convenience, ensuring swift and straightforward access to drug testing services. Our local presence facilitates hassle-free engagement for our clients.

Ready to meet your needs wherever you are, our network of testing sites is committed to providing seamless service, supporting your testing processes promptly and effectively.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our drug testing process in Sharon, TN, is simple and confidential, creating a smooth experience for every individual. Ordering tests, taking samples, and receiving results are all carried out with maximum privacy and efficiency.

We prioritize confidentiality, guaranteeing peace of mind for those concerned about privacy, while our straightforward procedures make the entire process stress-free and user-friendly.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround, our hair follicle testing services in Sharon, TN, deliver excellent value. Our fast processing times add to cost-effectiveness, appealing to businesses of any size.

This affordable option ensures that clients receive insightful drug testing services without compromising quality, bringing confidence at a reasonable cost.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed in Sharon, TN. Accurate and reliable, these tests ensure high detection accuracy, capturing substance use effectively. They provide fast results, giving individuals and employers confidence in their drug testing choices.

With advanced technology, these tests can quickly identify substance traces, allowing for swift decision-making. The robust nature of hair tests makes them a preferred choice for those seeking efficiency and reliability.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing in Sharon, TN, supports employer compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks. This method enhances workplace safety and employee well-being.

By utilizing thorough testing means, employers can maintain peace of mind, knowing they have a robust system in place that aligns with their zero-tolerance policies, fostering a secure work environment.

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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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