Hair Follicle Drug Testing - New Ulm, TX

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands of hair retain markers of alcohol and other substances within the fibers over time. Hair taken from near the head surface can detect substance use for about 90 days. This sample is easy to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A section of hair measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness), yields 100mg, which is ideal for both initial and confirmatory tests. For EtG, additional tests, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing is advisable. If head hair isn't available, the same quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers strictly to hair from the scalp, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types such as facial or underarm hair.

Overview of the Procedure

There are four crucial phases in processing a drug testing sample in a lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

The Accessioning phase marks the initial intake of a sample into the lab's workflow. This step includes confirming the sample's intact sealing and shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any other data input not handled by automated systems.

Screening involves an expedited preliminary check for drug presence. Although Screening is a cost-efficient measure for negating drug use in most cases, a positive indication requires validation before it holds in legal settings. Any samples flagged in Screening as potentially positive necessitate further substantiation.

When a sample is marked presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted and readied for the Extraction phase. Drugs within hair are extracted at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), rendering hair analysis a complex procedure.

Confirmation of a positive Screen is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples labeled presumptive positive are thoroughly cleansed before Confirmation if required. The comprehensive procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) standards for Hair and complies with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

Benefits of hair drug tests:

• Extended detection duration: Hair tests reveal drug use up to 90 days back, unlike urine tests with shorter scopes.
• Tough to manipulate: The accuracy is upheld by the test's resistance to tampering.
• Offers historical insight: It portrays a timeline of substance use, beyond immediate consumption.

Drawbacks:

• Does not capture immediate use: It requires around 5-7 days for drugs to be traceable in hair.
• Expense: Generally, hair tests are pricier than alternate techniques.
• Outcome variability: Differences in factors like dye color and individual hair growth impact metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: This is commonly named a "hair follicle test", but it refers to the analysis of the hair strand, not the scalp's follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in New Ulm, TX

• Hair follicle testing stands out due to its extended detection window, accuracy, and non-invasive method.
• Unlike urine tests, hair analysis can reveal drug use history for a longer period.
• With nearly impossible tampering, hair tests offer reliable and robust drug use assessment beyond surface-level screening.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in New Ulm, TX

• One of the most significant benefits of hair follicle testing is its extended detection period.
• This method can trace drug use for up to 90 days, providing employers with a broader history of substance use.
• Offering a comprehensive perspective on an individual's substance use, it satisfies rigorous drug screening needs.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in New Ulm, TX

• Hair follicle tests offer a robust defense against tampering, a frequent concern in drug testing.
• The collection process ensures that samples remain untainted, delivering credible results.
• This eliminates doubts about manipulation, as the test is nearly impervious to deceit.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in New Ulm, TX

• With numerous testing centers across the nation, accessing our services is hassle-free.
• Our widespread availability simplifies the testing process, making it quick and convenient for businesses everywhere.
• Local testing in New Ulm ensures that services are available when and where they're needed most, streamlining the procedure.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in New Ulm, TX

• The hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns.
• From ordering a test to receiving results, our streamlined approach ensures user ease.
• Clients appreciate the straightforward nature of our procedures, maintaining discretion and accuracy throughout.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in New Ulm, TX

• Our hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing, ensuring services are within reach.
• With rapid turnaround times, companies receive results swiftly, aiding in quick decision-making.
• This combination of cost efficiency and speed provides immense value for businesses of all sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in New Ulm, TX

• Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Hair follicle tests provide precise results.
• These tests accurately detect substance use with remarkable speed, offering reassurance in the results.
• Unlike other methods, hair testing combines swift analysis with high precision, making it the go-to choice for efficient screening.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in New Ulm, TX

• Employers gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
• By minimizing legal risks, businesses safeguard their interests while maintaining a safe environment.
• This method enhances safety and compliance, offering a thorough approach to handle workplace drug concerns.

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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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