Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Hurley, VA

What it is, How it works

Seen as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing offers a long-term history by capturing biomarkers in the strands of hair as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to an estimated 3-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, inherently resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch portion containing approximately 200 strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimum quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't present, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four major steps in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the first step, where a sample is entered into a laboratory’s system. This process confirms that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening performs a preliminary test for drugs of abuse. Although cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Any samples that screen positively presumptively need additional confirmation.

In cases where a sample tests positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which explains the complexity of hair drug screening.

A subsequent Confirmation of any positive screen finding is executed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptively positive are cleaned prior to confirmation as needed. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and follows ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can trace drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter timeframe.
• Difficult to cheat: It is notably challenging to cheat a hair drug test, enhancing the reliability of results.
• Provides usage history: Provides a pattern of drug consumption over a timeframe, rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: It generally takes 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be more costly than alternative drug testing approaches.
• Variability in outcomes: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: Even though often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hurley, VA
Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. This method provides a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance history.

Unlike urine tests, hair follicle screening can reveal drug use over a longer period, making it nearly impossible for users to bypass, as it captures evidence of use weeks or months after consumption.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Hurley, VA
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing is its long detection window. It tracks drug or alcohol use for up to 90 days.

This extensive detection period allows employers in Hurley to gain an insightful look into an applicant's or employee's drug-use patterns, ensuring they maintain a substance-free environment within the workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hurley, VA
Hair follicle tests are recognized for their resistance to tampering. Compared to urine tests, they significantly reduce the chances of sample adulteration.

Those in Hurley can trust the integrity of hair follicle tests, as they provide unquestionable results that greatly minimize the risk of deception, ensuring accuracy in detecting substance use.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hurley, VA
Accredited Drug Testing offers numerous testing centers nationwide, making it easy for individuals and businesses in Hurley to access services close to home.

With multiple local locations available, individuals can expect minimal travel and hassle-free visits, ensuring the testing process is seamless and efficient, no matter where they are situated.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Hurley, VA
The process for hair follicle drug tests in Hurley is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, every step is straightforward.

Privacy is prioritized, ensuring individuals have a secure experience. Clients can trust the efficiency and discretion of this process, keeping personal information protected throughout.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hurley, VA
With competitive pricing options, hair follicle testing offers great value for businesses in Hurley.

Fast turnaround times ensure businesses receive results quickly, allowing them to make informed decisions without delay. The cost-effectiveness combined with reliability makes this an appealing choice for companies of all sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hurley, VA
Hair follicle drug tests in Hurley, VA, are known for their fast processing and high accuracy. With precision in detecting a wide range of substances, these tests provide clear results quickly.

Employers in Hurley value the reliability of hair follicle testing. The method ensures minimal error, with the ability to detect even trace amounts of drugs, ensuring a substance-free workplace environment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hurley, VA
Adopting hair follicle testing helps employers stay compliant with strict drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks.

Employers in Hurley benefit from the peace of mind that comes with using this robust testing method, which supports a safe, drug-free working environment and aligns with industry standards.

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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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