Hair Follicle Drug Testing - West Longview, WA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol use. The hair captures long-term evidence of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When sampling close to the scalp, hair offers up to roughly a three-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to alter, and straightforward to send.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil in size) near the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. In cases where scalp hair is absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. Reference to head hair implies scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, underarm, etc.).

Overview of the Process

The core steps in a laboratory's processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s workflow. It involves confirming the sample's seal and shipping integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry tasks not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, positive screens necessitate confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.

Should a sample appear presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. This phase entails extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations when compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), highlighting why hair drug screening represents the most challenging methodology.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation, as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is reviewed in line with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a more limited detection timespan.
• Cheating is difficult: Cheating a hair drug test is considerably challenging, increasing the accuracy of results.
• Offers historical insight: It can reveal drug use patterns over time, rather than solely recent consumption.

Drawbacks:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Approximately 5-7 days are needed for drugs to be traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs compared to alternate drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and personal variations in hair growth can impact drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In West Longview, WA, hair follicle tests are favored for their superior detection compared to standard urine tests. Hair testing excels by identifying substances long after they’ve been used, providing insights urine tests cannot match. These tests ensure a higher accuracy rate, reducing the chances of erroneous results.

While urine tests excel in detecting recent use, the extended window offered by hair testing is unmatched. Employers requiring comprehensive substance histories find hair testing more beneficial, as it unveils a broader pattern of substance use, ensuring a drug-free environment.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in West Longview, WA, find the extended detection window of hair follicle testing invaluable. Capable of uncovering substance use up to 90 days prior, this method reveals a long-term pattern of behavior rather than a snapshot. Such insight is critical for employers assessing an individual's substance practices.

This expansive timeframe offered by hair testing equips employers with the ability to make informed hiring decisions. The comprehensive history available through hair testing allows for a proactive approach, ensuring a substance-free workplace environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In West Longview, WA, the robust nature of hair follicle testing diminishes concerns regarding sample tampering. Unlike urine tests, the observed sample collection and stringent analysis offer an almost foolproof method. This ensures the integrity and reliability of results employers can trust unquestioningly.

Hair follicle tests virtually eliminate the risk of adulteration, as the hair sample itself provides a solid physical history of substance intake. The method is structured to prevent deceit, emphasizing the reliability and authenticity of results used for decision-making.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

West Longview, WA, benefits from the convenience of nationwide testing locations offered by Accredited Drug Testing. This expansive network ensures accessible and hassle-free drug testing services. Regardless of location, individuals can obtain a test streamlined for quick completion.

For the convenience of employees and employers alike, local testing centers in West Longview provide fast service without the inconvenience of scheduling complex appointments. This ease of access ensures that testing requirements are met promptly and efficiently.

Simple, Confidential Process

In West Longview, WA, ordering a test through Accredited Drug Testing is designed to be a straightforward process. From initiation to the delivery of results, confidentiality is paramount. Each step respects user privacy while providing ease of use, ensuring participants are at ease.

The systematic and discreet handling of samples and results offers reassurance in privacy protection. Such an approach to drug testing ensures reliable outcomes with minimal effort, instilling confidence in the process’s integrity and discretion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering affordable solutions in West Longview, WA, Accredited Drug Testing prides itself on competitive pricing for hair follicle tests. These options ensure businesses of all sizes can adhere to cost-effective drug testing policies without compromising on quality or effectiveness.

In addition to reasonable pricing, the swift turnaround times for results add another layer of convenience and value. This allows for decisive actions to be taken based on timely and accurate testing outcomes, solidifying peace of mind for any organization.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The efficiency and precision of hair follicle drug tests in West Longview, WA, offer a standout detection method. This cutting-edge approach yields fast and reliable insights into substance use. Employers and individuals alike benefit from the accuracy these tests provide, setting a new standard for reliable drug testing.

Hair follicle testing advantages include its ability to rapidly isolate substances in one's system. Each test is intricately analyzed to ensure pinpoint accuracy, securing trustworthy results. This makes hair follicle testing a leading option for those seeking prompt and faithful readings of substance use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in West Longview, WA, compliance with drug-free workplace policies is simplified with hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal vulnerabilities and optimizes safety protocols. Reliable testing services extend peace of mind by maintaining an environment free from substance-related incidents.

By integrating hair testing, employers can significantly lower legal risks while reinforcing a zero-tolerance policy. This not only safeguards the workplace but also reinforces corporate responsibility in upholding standards of safety and professionalism.

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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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