Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Jamestown, WA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair maintains an extended record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers in the structure of the developing hair strand. When gathered next to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeframe of up to about a 3-month period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches in length, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (the equivalent thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirming. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent portion of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab processing of drug test results involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning signifies the initial handling of a sample within a lab's system. This step includes verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves an initial rapid check for drug abuse. Despite being a cost-effective method to rule out drug intake for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to hold up in court. Any samples that are presumptively positive during Screening need a secondary confirmation.

If a sample is deemed presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair, present at much lower concentrations than in other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screen result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can determine drug use for up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests which have a shorter detection span.
• Reduced opportunity for cheating: Cheating on a hair drug test is very difficult, enhancing the reliability of the outcomes.
• Delivers historical data: It can outline drug use patterns over time, beyond just recent use.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent intake: It typically takes 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are often pricier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variations: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand and not the follicle underneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Jamestown, WA

The benefits of hair testing over traditional urine analysis are substantial. Hair tests boast a considerably longer detection period, offering greater accuracy in identifying substance use. Unlike urine, hair captures drug intake over many months, ensuring a reliable history. Urine tests might fail to detect intermittent or historical use, whereas hair testing provides a more comprehensive picture.

Moreover, hair follicle analysis mitigates cheating risks, presenting a more secure method lacking in the vulnerabilities often exploited in urine testing. This robustness makes hair testing a superior choice for employers and legal requirements.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Jamestown, WA

Hair follicle analysis brings a notable advantage by detecting drug usage up to 90 days prior. This extensive detection window offers employers a full understanding of an individual's substance use history, crucial for making informed decisions. The longevity of this detection period surpasses that of most standard tests.

Spanning months of history, the test provides insights into consistent patterns of behavior, setting a clear context and allowing organizations to uphold stringent substance policies.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Jamestown, WA

Minimizing the potential for sample tampering is a critical aspect of hair follicle testing. This method is inherently tamper-resistant, reducing the risks associated with adulteration that are prevalent in other testing methodologies. The reliability of the results is thus bolstered, providing confidence in their authenticity.

Assured integrity and accuracy alleviate concerns around false negatives or manipulated samples, safeguarding the decision-making process for stakeholders relying on these evaluations.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Jamestown, WA

Accredited Drug Testing offers widespread accessibility through its extensive network of nationwide testing centers, including convenient locations in Jamestown. With this vast reach, individuals and businesses can expect quick, hassle-free testing services nearing them.

The ease of access prevents logistical complications, providing timely and efficient drug testing solutions wherever they are required, enhancing the client experience.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Jamestown, WA

The process for hair follicle testing at our centers is streamlined and confidential. Clients can be assured of privacy from ordering to the fetching of results, with all data securely managed. This transparency assures peace of mind concerning sensitive information.

Such a simplified approach ensures that concerns about privacy and procedural ease are addressed, paving the way for a stress-free testing experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Jamestown, WA

Our pricing is competitive and our result turnaround time is brisk, providing excellent value for companies, irrespective of size. Employers benefit from cost-effective solutions without compromising on the quality of the results provided.

The swift delivery of results aligns with business demands, allowing managers to act decisively, thereby safeguarding workplace productivity and safety without financial strain.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Jamestown, WA

Hair follicle drug assessments present unparalleled accuracy in Jamestown, offering quick and reliable detection of substances. The method's robustness is particularly beneficial for employers and legal entities who demand precision and efficiency. The speed with which results are delivered ensures no unnecessary delays.

In comparison, other testing methods often lack the immediacy and precision provided by hair analysis. The rapid processing helps maintain the operational tempo for businesses and legal procedures alike, securing timely insights into substance use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Jamestown, WA

Utilizing hair follicle testing supports employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies. By aligning with compliance standards, employers can mitigate legal risks while promoting workplace safety. The certainty provided by hair analysis fortifies the employer's stance against substance abuse.

Ensuring adherence to stringent testing standards creates a secure environment where employees can feel confident in organizational practices, fostering a culture of trust and accountability.

Drug Testing Near Jamestown, WA

Port Hadlock, WA

Port Angeles, WA

Port Hadlock-Irondale, WA

Irondale, WA

Port Townsend, WA

Fairmont, WA

Port Angeles East, WA

Discovery Bay, WA

Blyn, WA

Agnew-Carlsborg, WA

Bell Hill, WA

Carlsborg, WA

River Road, WA

Sequim, WA

Dungeness, WA

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