Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Pullman, TX

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains traces of alcohol and other drugs over time by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of roughly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for shipping.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, it is advisable to gather 150mg of the specimen. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is missing, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the initial processing of a sample into a lab's system takes place. This step includes verifying that the specimen was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) randomly, and completing any data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial, swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation to be legally admissible. All samples with a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.

For any specimen deemed presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at far lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is among the most challenging techniques to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are washed before confirmation as appropriate. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process is reviewed under the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, compared to the shorter duration of urine tests.
• Challenging to falsify: It's very tough to manipulate a hair drug test, thus enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insights: It reveals a timeline of drug use over an extended period, not just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Doesn't reveal recent usage: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and growth differences can alter the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Pullman, TX, hair follicle testing offers a compelling advantage over urine tests. The superior detection window captures a broader history of substance use, while the observed collection minimizes tampering risks.

Unlike urine tests that only offer a limited detection time frame, hair follicle tests provide a more comprehensive monitoring capability, making them a preferred choice for employers and legal entities aiming for broad substance abuse surveillance.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection period of hair follicle tests in Pullman, TX, is a pivotal benefit. These tests trace substance use for up to 90 days, allowing for a more thorough evaluation of an individual’s drug history.

Employers benefit by gaining insights into past behaviors that urine tests cannot provide. This long-term detection is essential for roles requiring strict adherence to substance-free policies.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Pullman, TX, hair follicle tests are a reliable method for reducing sample tampering risks. The process involves direct observation during collection, ensuring the authenticity of the sample.

This method significantly lessens the likelihood of adulteration or substitution, providing employers and authorities with credible results. The integrity of this testing approach makes it difficult to cheat.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Conveniently located testing centers across the nation make hair follicle testing in Pullman, TX, accessible and straightforward. Accredited Drug Testing provides easy access to services, facilitating efficient and prompt testing processes.

Our nationwide locations ensure that appointments are easy to schedule and execute, minimizing the disruption to daily routines. Local accessibility guarantees a hassle-free testing experience for every client.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Pullman, TX, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, privacy is prioritized at every step, ensuring a stress-free experience.

Clients are guided through every part of the process, ensuring clarity and understanding. This efficient, private methodology helps maintain trust and confidence among participants.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Pullman, TX, hair follicle testing boasts affordable pricing and fast turnaround. Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive rates without compromising on the integrity and accuracy of its services.

Alongside cost-effectiveness, speed is another hallmark of our testing services, with quick results that allow businesses to make informed decisions swiftly, providing excellent value for organizations of all sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle tests in Pullman, TX, stand out for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. With advanced technology, these tests detect substances with remarkable precision, ensuring initial results are trustworthy.

The speed of the process means companies can receive outcomes quickly, enhancing their decision-making process. This promptness helps businesses maintain operational flow without the lengthy waits usually associated with traditional testing methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing aids employers in Pullman, TX, in upholding drug-free workplace standards. Using this method ensures compliance with regulations and mitigates potential legal challenges.

Employers benefit from a safer, drug-free environment that enhances productivity and reduces liabilities. Agencies and organizations with stringent policies particularly appreciate the peace of mind these tests provide.

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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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