Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Dunlow, WV

What it is, How it works

Hair examinations have emerged as a robust method for identifying the usage of alcohol and drugs. Hair retains a comprehensive record of drugs and alcohol over time by embedding biomarkers within the growth of hair fibers. A sample collected near the scalp can reveal up to an approximately 3-month history of alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.

The ideal screening and confirmation sample requires a 1.5-inch segment of about 200 strands of hair (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, equivalent body hair can be obtained. When referencing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the preliminary incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This entails confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any other data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is economical for eliminating drug use in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.

For samples presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to hair drug screening's status as the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug use for up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests with shorter detection spans.
• Challenging to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is notably difficult, ensuring more reliable results.
• Supplies historical insights: It reveals a drug use sequence over time, rather than merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of identifying recent usage: It requires around 5-7 days for drugs to be noticeable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs than other testing methodologies.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Often called "hair follicle tests," the testing itself evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Dunlow, WV, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine testing. The former provides enhanced detection accuracy, making it a reliable option. Hair testing not only detects a wider range of substances but also reflects usage over a longer period, giving it an edge over urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Dunlow, WV captures drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This wide window gives employers a comprehensive view of substance history for candidates or employees, making informed decisions easier.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

With the hair follicle test in Dunlow, WV, tampering is significantly minimized. This method's robust nature ensures reliable and unquestionable results, reducing risks attached to adulteration.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous nationwide centers, Accredited Drug Testing in Dunlow, WV offers convenient access to testing facilities. Our extensive network ensures a seamless testing experience, no matter where you are.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Dunlow, WV is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step prioritizes security and ease, addressing any privacy concerns users might have.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Dunlow, WV, hair follicle testing is not only priced competitively but also guarantees quick turnaround times. This balance of affordability and efficiency proves valuable for businesses of all sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle testing in Dunlow, WV offers unparalleled precision and speed. Its accuracy in substance detection is superior, ensuring reliable results on time. Fast, accurate outcomes make it a top choice for many.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Dunlow, WV find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method minimizes legal liabilities and enhances safety standards at the workplace.

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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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