Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Stagecoach, TX

What it is, How it works

Utilizing hair analysis as a means to detect drug and alcohol consumption has become highly regarded. The strand of hair retains the history of substance usage over time by capturing biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, this method can reveal substance usage over approximately a 3-month timeframe. Furthermore, hair sampling is straightforward, challenging to manipulate, and convenient to transport.

For optimal analysis, a 1.5-inch fragment comprising around 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields about 100mg, which is the preferred quantity for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for accurate weighing. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used as a substitute. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory evaluation of drug tests encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into a laboratory system, which involves ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any supplementary data that might not be covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

The Screening phase consists of a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Though it offers a cost-effective method to dismiss drug consumption in most cases, a positive indication requires further validation to be legally acceptable. Any screenings that show presumptive positive results necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

Should a sample show presumptive positive results during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are extracted from hair concentrations significantly lower than those in alternative methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing represents the most complex approach.

For any positive outcome in the screening phase, confirmation is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples presumed positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is verified under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests have the capability to identify drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection span.
• Hard to manipulate: Hair drug tests are challenging to deceit, thus enhancing result accuracy.
• Reveals historical patterns: It showcases a timeline of substance use over time, not only recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inaccurate for recent consumption: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than other testing options.
• Result variation: Factors such as hair color and individual hair growth disparities may influence metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the assessment takes place on the hair strand rather than the scalp-located hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Testing? In Stagecoach, TX, hair testing surpasses conventional urine tests by offering a longer detection period and superior accuracy. Hair tests unveil drug use over an extended timeline, making it a preferable choice.

Unlike urine tests, the non-intrusive collection of hair samples facilitates a seamless process. This method reduces the chances of deception and ensures a dependable drug use evaluation for employers seeking authentic results.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection: Hair follicle testing in Stagecoach, TX, provides an unparalleled insight into substance use over the past 90 days. This method allows employers to grasp a comprehensive view of an individual's drug history.

With its capability to detect long-term substance use, hair testing is vital for employers committed to maintaining a safe work environment, giving them an informed perspective on employee wellness.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Securing Integrity: In Stagecoach, TX, hair follicle testing stands out as a tamper-resistant approach. The nature of hair samples minimizes the risk of adulteration, guaranteeing reliable outcomes.

By reducing potential manipulation, hair testing reinforces the authenticity of the results. Employers can trust the procedure to provide transparent and accurate data essential for compliance and safety assurance.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Access: The extensive network of Accredited Drug Testing centers, including in Stagecoach, TX, provides easy access to testing services nationwide.

Clients benefit from quick and hassle-free testing experiences, ensuring availability and convenience for both individuals and organizations, facilitating efficient and straightforward testing processes.

Simple, Confidential Process

Effortless Process: In Stagecoach, TX, engaging in hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. Accredited Drug Testing maintains ease and discretion throughout the testing journey.

From ordering to receiving results, the process is structured for simplicity and privacy, addressing concerns about ease of use and confidentiality for all clients seeking reliable testing services.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Cost-effective Solutions: At Accredited Drug Testing, located in Stagecoach, TX, we offer competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, ensuring value for businesses of all sizes.

Our services deliver quality and affordability, providing companies with cost-effective testing solutions that do not compromise on reliability or speed, enhancing business operations.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast Results: In Stagecoach, TX, hair follicle drug testing offers prompt and precise results. This method ensures a high accuracy rate in identifying substance use, providing reliable data in a timely manner.

With hair follicle testing, the integrity of the analysis is retained from start to finish, offering clients peace of mind with the rapid and trustworthy outcomes that are crucial in decision-making processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Assurance: Utilizing hair follicle testing in Stagecoach, TX, offers employers the reassurance of compliance with drug-free workplace policies, drastically reducing legal exposures.

This testing method enhances workplace safety and fosters peace of mind among employers, who gain confidence in maintaining a controlled and drug-free environment for all employees.

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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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