Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Browntown, WI

What it is, How it works

The examination of hair has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of these substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug usage over a span of up to three months. The process of acquiring hair samples is straightforward, relatively secure from tampering, and convenient for transportation.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil), yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both preliminary and confirmatory testing. For EtG assessments, additional testing options, or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent portion of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The primary stages in the laboratory drug testing workflow include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and inputting any supplementary data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening offers a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is an economical approach for dismissing drug presence in most samples, any positive result requires confirmation to be legally viable. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening necessitate subsequent verification.

Samples suspected of being positive during Screening necessitate additional hair to be extracted from the initial sample for further preparation. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair, albeit at lower concentrations compared to methods like urine or oral fluid, which makes hair drug screening particularly complex.

Positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples identified as presumptively positive are cleansed prior to Confirmation, if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under the guidelines of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug examinations can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that offer a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: The integrity of hair drug tests is difficult to compromise, enhancing result accuracy.
• Chronological insights: It offers an insight into drug usage patterns over time rather than only recent activity.

Limitations:

• Omission of recent use: Drugs generally take about 5-7 days to become evident in hair samples.
• Expense: Hair drug examinations typically incur higher costs compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Despite being termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis pertains to the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Browntown, WI, hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over urine testing. One primary benefit is its superior detection accuracy, as hair tests provide more reliable results that are difficult to dispute.

Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests detect drug use over a much longer period, offering an extensive history rather than a snapshot.

The observed collection process of hair testing makes it less prone to manipulation compared to urine samples.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Browntown, WI, offers an extensive detection window, marking drug use for up to 90 days. This extended period provides employers with a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use history.

Such a long detection window is invaluable for businesses aiming to maintain a drug-free environment, as it helps in making informed hiring decisions.

For ongoing employee assessments, this method offers a reliable reflection of substance habits over an extended timeline.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Browntown, WI, significantly diminish the risk of tampering. Their methodology helps ensure that the sample remains uncontaminated, providing dependable results.

This robust resistance to adulteration sets hair testing apart from other methods, assuring employers of the authenticity and accuracy of the test outcomes.

Professionals in the area can rely on this method to deliver credible results without the worry of altercations or deceitful practices.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous testing centers nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient access for Browntown, WI residents. This wide reach makes it easy for individuals to find a location nearby without hassle.

Our local presence guarantees that testing is both efficient and straightforward, making compliance and testing accessibility a seamless experience for all involved.

Such convenience empowers both individuals and organizations to maintain compliance effortlessly, thanks to our widespread availability.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Browntown, WI, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results is straightforward and maintains the dignity of the individual.

This user-friendly approach ensures no unnecessary complications arise, making the procedure effortless and discreet.

The confidentiality adhered to throughout the process ensures all personal information and test results are handled with utmost privacy.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing in Browntown, WI, offers competitive pricing for hair follicle tests coupled with fast turnaround times, ensuring that businesses get excellent value.

The affordability of these tests allows companies of all sizes to incorporate reliable drug testing within their procedures without excessive costs.

This balance of cost-effectiveness and timely results promotes peace of mind and financial prudence for business decisions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Browntown, WI, hair follicle drug tests offer exceptional precision and speed. They stand out with their high accuracy rate in identifying substance use.

The reliability of hair tests in swiftly delivering correct results is unmatched. Such tests are crucial in environments where quick and accurate determination is necessary.

With the ability to detect even minimal substance use, these tests provide Browntown residents confidence in the outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Browntown, WI, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing as it ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method minimizes legal risks, maintaining a safe work environment.

Hair testing's reputation for accuracy bolsters employer confidence in meeting regulatory requirements and upholding workplace standards.

The use of such tests mitigates potential liabilities, showcasing an organization's commitment to safety and reliability.

Drug Testing Near Browntown, WI

Blanchardville, WI

Blanchard, WI

Postville, WI

Monticello, WI

Juda, WI

Lamont, WI

Gratiot, WI

Argyle, WI

Wiota, WI

Clarno, WI

Woodford, WI

South Wayne, WI

Wayne, WI

Jordan, WI

Cadiz, WI

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