Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Valley Mills, TX

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an impactful means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides an extended history of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken from close to the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (approximately the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample for testing and verification. For EtG, add-on tests, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair may be obtained. When we refer to head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four principal stages involved in the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning denotes the primary processing of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process includes verifying that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not offered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening encompasses an initial fast check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to rule out drug use on most samples, a positive screen needs affirmation for court admissibility. Any samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require a further confirmation.

If a sample is presumed positive in the Screening phase, more hair is drawn from the first specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are withdrawn from hair at a much lower concentration than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methods to carry out.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is undertaken via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized 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 window: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests which have a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: It is extremely challenging to deceive a hair drug test, ensuring the outcomes are more precise.
• Offers historical data: It can depict a pattern of drug consumption over time, not only recent usage.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent use: It takes roughly 5-7 days for drugs to become recognizable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are generally costlier than other drug testing methods.
• Result discrepancies: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Valley Mills, TX
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine testing. Its superior detection accuracy and reliability are unmatched. Hair tests trace substance use over extended periods, making them invaluable compared to urine tests.

The comprehensive nature of hair testing means earlier detection and fewer evasive tactics. This method provides deeper insights into an individual's substance use history than typical urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Valley Mills, TX
The hair follicle testing method showcases its strength through an extended detection window, as it can trace substance use up to 90 days prior. This capability gives employers an all-encompassing view of a candidate or current employee's drug history.

This long detection period surpasses traditional methods, enabling companies to make well-informed decisions based on a reliable analysis of drug usage patterns over time.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Valley Mills, TX
The hair follicle test is designed to deter tampering, offering reliable and trusted results. This testing approach minimizes sample adulteration risks, providing a dependable assessment for employers and legal entities.

The stringent nature of hair tests means that the results remain credible and unaltered, assuring users of the accuracy and trustworthiness of the drug screening process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Valley Mills, TX
The broad spread of our testing centers nationwide makes the testing process smooth and hassle-free. Whether local in Valley Mills or elsewhere, access to our services is quick and dependable.

With numerous locations available, you can be sure of a seamless experience, ensuring that testing is both easily accessible and efficiently conducted.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Valley Mills, TX
Our hair follicle testing procedure is straightforward and maintains privacy throughout. From ordering to receiving results, the process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality.

Your privacy concerns are prioritized, making our testing service an ideal choice for those seeking an undisclosed and easy-to-navigate process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Valley Mills, TX
Our competitive pricing and rapid results return offer excellent value for businesses, regardless of scale. Enjoy peace of mind with cost-effective and swift testing solutions.

With our quick turnaround and reasonable pricing, companies can benefit from high-quality testing without stretching their budgets.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Valley Mills, TX
Hair follicle drug tests provide a high level of precision and speed in uncovering substance use. This testing method stands out for its high accuracy, ensuring reliable insights for employers in Valley Mills. By opting for hair testing, individuals and companies can benefit from fast and dependable results.

The speed and reliability of hair follicle tests make them the preferred choice for many. Their ability to accurately pinpoint drug use ensures that the testing process is both effective and efficient.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Valley Mills, TX
Utilizing hair follicle tests ensures adherence to workplace drug policies, thus minimizing legal issues and enhancing safety. Employers can rest assured knowing that their drug testing protocols are both compliant and effective.

The reliability of hair testing promotes a secure work environment, giving employers the assurance and peace of mind needed to implement drug-free policies.

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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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