Hair Follicle Drug Testing - South Benton, WA

What it is, How it works

Acknowledged as an impactful technology, hair analysis serves as a means for identifying consumption of drugs and alcohol. Within the strands of growing hair, biomarkers are encapsulated, capturing a prolonged record of alcohol and other substance usage. When sourced from the scalp closely, hair can reveal substance usage information for an estimated 3-month duration for alcohol and additional drugs. Collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.

A specimen comprising a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands, resembling the width of a #2 pencil and nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, optimal for both testing and confirmation. For EtG, supplemental, and tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advisable to obtain 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for measuring the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair can't be collected, the collection of an equivalent amount of body hair is permissible. References to head hair are specifically concerning scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The core procedures in a laboratory’s drug testing process involve Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory system. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any extra data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody arrangement.

Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although a cost-efficient means to dismiss drug use in most cases, confirmation is required for a positive screen to hold up in legal proceedings. Any samples that show a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.

Upon a presumptive positive indication during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. During this procedure, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), posing a greater challenge for hair drug analysis.

Any positive screening outcomes are validated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guideline and the accreditation standards of ISO/IEC 17025.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug assessments can reveal substance use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection timeframe.
• Challenging to deceive: Hair drug testing is notably hard to manipulate, thus enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical overview: It provides a record of drug consumption spanning over time, beyond just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of identifying immediate use: It typically takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug evaluations are usually more costly than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors including hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although commonly termed “hair follicle tests”, the test itself evaluates the hair strand, not the scalp's hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in South Benton, WA
The superiority of hair testing lies in its ability to detect drug use with higher accuracy and dependability compared to traditional urine tests. Hair tests track substance consumption over an extended timeframe, which urine tests cannot match. Employers find significant value in the comprehensive insights provided by hair testing.

Besides offering a broader surveillance window, hair follicle tests are also less prone to manipulation, ensuring the integrity of the results. As such, for those prioritizing accuracy and reliability, hair testing emerges as the preferred choice over urine testing.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in South Benton, WA
Hair follicle testing's impressive detection range, lasting up to 90 days, is invaluable for employers. By offering insights into an applicant or employee's substance use history, organizations in South Benton, WA gain a meaningful perspective that cannot be achieved with other testing methods.

This longer detection window allows companies to enforce their drug policies more effectively, ensuring that they make well-informed decisions based on comprehensive data regarding past substance use. It acts as a robust safety measure for maintaining a drug-free workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in South Benton, WA
Hair follicle tests dramatically diminish the chances of sample tampering. The resilience of these tests provides reliable and indisputable results, making them a go-to option for ensuring accuracy every time a test is conducted in South Benton, WA.

The inherent design of hair follicle testing deters any form of adulteration, thereby maintaining the integrity of the sample from collection to analysis. By choosing this method, one can be confident that the results reflect an honest and precise picture of the subject's substance use history.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in South Benton, WA
With a vast network of testing centers spanning the country, Accredited Drug Testing ensures quick, easy access to services. Whether in South Benton, WA, or elsewhere, individuals and companies can conveniently utilize our drug testing facilities.

Our extensive reach simplifies the testing process, removing barriers and reducing waiting times. Clients experience seamless service delivery, with local facilities readily available, simplifying the logistics associated with drug testing appointments and procedures.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in South Benton, WA
Ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle testing in South Benton, WA, is a straightforward and private affair. Ensuring confidentiality at each step, this process addresses privacy concerns and assures ease of use for all clients eager to maintain discretion.

The streamlined system employed by Accredited Drug Testing guarantees a hassle-free experience, focusing on the user’s convenience. The emphasis on confidentiality means individuals can engage with our services confidently, knowing their information is secure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in South Benton, WA
Our competitive pricing combined with swift turnaround times offers businesses unbeatable value. Companies of any size in South Benton, WA, can benefit from our cost-effective hair follicle testing services without compromising on speed or quality.

The affordability ensures that even small organizations can incorporate thorough drug testing into their operational procedures. By offering an attractive price-performance ratio, we help companies uphold safety and compliance economically.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in South Benton, WA
In South Benton, WA, the accuracy and speed of hair follicle tests are unmatched. These tests offer a high level of precision in detecting substance use, making them a popular choice for those seeking fast results. The methodology ensures that you can trust the findings, giving peace of mind with every test result returned.

The hair follicle testing process is engineered for quick yet accurate detection. The structured procedure eliminates guesswork, providing results you can rely on. The efficiency of these tests makes them ideal for situations requiring prompt, dependable information about substance use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in South Benton, WA
Employers in South Benton, WA, benefit immensely from hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free regulations. This method minimizes legal risks and upholds safety standards, granting peace of mind by promoting a healthier work environment.

Hair testing creates a culture of compliance, supporting employers in maintaining stringent drug policies. The outcome is a secure and effective workplace, devoid of the complications that arise from substance misuse. This proactive approach resolves potential legal issues before they manifest.

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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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