Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Benson, VT

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a significant method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer an extended timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use within a timeframe of roughly 90 days. The collection of hair is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and convenient for shipment.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp will contain about 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and validation purposes. For tests involving EtG, additional assessments, or exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. We advocate the use of a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is insufficient, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key phases in the laboratory analysis of drug testing results consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning marks the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's records, involving the verification of proper sealing and shipping of the sample, the assignment of a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and the completion of any additional manual data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for illicit substances. This cost-efficient method can exclude drug usage in most cases, yet a positive outcome requires further confirmation to be valid for legal purposes. Samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening need additional validation.

For samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted for Extraction, where drugs are isolated at a reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thereby making hair drug screening one of the most challenging techniques to execute.

Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary before confirmation. The full laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection window.
• Difficulty to cheat: The accuracy of hair drug tests is enhanced by the difficulty of manipulation.
• Provides historical data: They offer a timeline of drug usage over weeks or months, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs take about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Cost: Hair drug tests are typically costlier than other testing methods.
• Variations in results: Factors such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can impact drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Often called "hair follicle tests," these assessments examine the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Benson, VT, hair follicle testing shines against traditional urine tests for its superior detection abilities. This method excels by identifying long-term drug use, providing a comprehensive assessment that urine tests often cannot match.

Employers in Benson favor hair testing as it not only ensures accuracy but also minimizes the risk of test manipulation. This reliability in detecting drug use gives hair tests a clear edge over urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Benson, VT, offers an extended detection window, uncovering drug use history for up to 90 days. This prolonged analysis period allows employers to see a complete picture of an individual’s substance use.

Unlike other methods, hair testing provides a detailed timeline, which is invaluable for employers seeking to evaluate prolonged drug use patterns in applicants or current employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Benson, VT, recognizes the resilience of hair follicle testing against tampering. This method of drug analysis drastically reduces the prospect of adulteration, providing accurate and uncontroversial outcomes.

By mitigating sample manipulation, hair testing ensures that the results obtained reflect true substance use, thus reinforcing its credibility over other testing forms.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing provides accessible testing through its expansive network of centers, including local options in Benson, VT. This enables seamless and convenient service for individuals needing drug or alcohol analysis.

The widespread availability of our centers ensures that both employers and individuals can quickly access the testing services required without hassle.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Benson, VT, the process of hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential, addressing concerns over privacy while ensuring ease of use. From test ordering to result receipt, individuals can expect a seamless experience.

This simple testing procedure provides peace of mind, knowing that personal data remains protected throughout the process, making it a preferred choice for many.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing, hair follicle testing in Benson, VT, ensures affordability without compromising on quality. Fast turnaround times further enhance value for businesses seeking quick, reliable results.

This cost-effective testing solution equips companies of all sizes with the means to monitor substance use effectively, maintaining both fiscal responsibility and workplace safety.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Benson, VT, hair follicle testing is celebrated for its remarkable precision and swiftness in delivering accurate results. By analyzing a sample of an individual's hair, this method detects substance use with high accuracy, ensuring employers receive reliable data.

The speed of obtaining results from hair follicle tests is another advantage. Employers can swiftly make informed decisions, maintaining productivity levels and ensuring workplace safety without delays.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Benson, VT, using hair follicle testing assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This helps avoid legal issues and enhances the safety and productivity of the work environment.

By implementing reliable testing methods like hair analysis, employers can maintain the integrity of their operations, safeguarded against the challenges posed by substance abuse.

Drug Testing Near Benson, VT

Poultney, VT

Proctor, VT

Pittsford, VT

Shoreham, VT

Brandon, VT

Whiting, VT

Castleton, VT

Fair Haven, VT

Sudbury, VT

Orwell, VT

Hubbardton, VT

West Haven, VT

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