Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Fresno, TX

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and other substances by sealing biomarkers within the strands as hair grows. When collected close to the scalp, hair can provide an approximate three-month detection window for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, an optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. By head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory analysis of a drug test result comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial processing of a specimen into a laboratory's system. This process verifies that the specimen was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screening outcome requires confirmation to be defensible in legal settings. Any samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

If a specimen yields a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is notably complex to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can uncover drug use over a span of up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests with a shorter detection range.
• Challenging to falsify: Hair drug tests are notably difficult to compromise, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Offers historical data: It provides a record of drug usage over time rather than merely indicating recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of identifying recent use: Detection of drugs in hair takes approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be pricier than other drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the examination is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fresno, TX

Hair testing provides a significant edge over urine analysis by offering superior accuracy and reliability. This method extends the detection window and provides undeniable proof of substance use, whereas urine tests may miss long-term usage. Hair analysis provides a clearer, broader picture, making it the preferred choice for many organizations committed to drug-free environments.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Fresno, TX

Hair follicle testing excels due to its extensive detection window, often reaching up to 90 days. This feature allows employers a more comprehensive understanding of an applicant's or employee's substance use history, promoting informed decisions and reinforcing workplace integrity. It stands as an essential tool for long-term drug assessment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fresno, TX

One of the critical advantages of hair follicle testing is its resilience to tampering. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests safeguard the integrity of the results by significantly reducing the likelihood of sample adulteration. This ensures that all findings are trustworthy and upheld by rigorous standards, sustaining credibility in the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fresno, TX

Accredited Drug Testing emphasizes convenience with our expansive network of testing sites across the nation and locally in Fresno. This easy accessibility ensures quick, effortless access to testing services, minimizing disruption to schedules and streamlining the process, benefitting both employers and individuals seeking drug tests.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Fresno, TX

We maintain a straightforward and confidential testing procedure in Fresno, ensuring individuals can order, partake in, and receive results without privacy concerns. This approach prioritizes ease of use, giving participants confidence in the process while protecting personal information throughout their testing journey.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fresno, TX

Our competitive pricing structure, combined with rapid result delivery, provides businesses with excellent value. Catering to organizations of all sizes, we ensure cost-effectiveness while upholding the fast-paced demands of corporate environments. This reliable service reinforces trust and satisfaction among our clients.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fresno, TX

Hair follicle tests boast impressively swift and precise results, proving invaluable in detecting substance use. With high accuracy, these tests offer rapid insight into an individual's drug history, ensuring that employers in Fresno receive dependable evaluations swiftly, contributing to informed decision-making in employment processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fresno, TX

Utilizing hair follicle testing helps businesses comply with drug-free workplace policies, thus minimizing legal liabilities. It fosters a safer working environment while offering employers reassurance, knowing their workers comply with prescribed drug standards. Enhanced safety and compliance yield peace of mind for companies and employees alike.

Drug Testing Near Fresno, TX

Brookside Village, TX

Garden Acres, TX

Missouri City, TX

Manvel, TX

Fifth Street, TX

Dewalt, TX

Juliff, TX

Trammels, TX

Sienna Plantation, TX

Iowa Colony, TX

Arcola, TX

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