Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Cato, WI

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term archive of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection range of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to alter, and straightforward to transport.

A collected section of 1.5 inches or about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for testing purposes. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug analysis result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any remaining data entry not completed by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is economically efficient for ruling out drug consumption in most samples, a positive result needs verification to be accepted in a legal context. Samples that are potentially positive in Screening will necessitate a further confirmation.

If a sample indicates a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is drawn from the initial sample and made ready for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.

Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection timeline.
• Hard to cheat: It is exceedingly difficult to manipulate a hair drug test, enhancing the accuracy of the results.
• Offers historical insight: It can reveal a pattern of drug consumption over a duration of time, not solely recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs take roughly 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally cost more compared to other drug testing options.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and personal variations in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: While often referred to as "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Cato, WI provides unmatched benefits compared to traditional urine tests. This method offers superior accuracy and reliability, capturing a more comprehensive picture of drug use. Urine tests, while common, may miss certain substances and recent use, whereas hair testing presents a broader detection scope, granting employers more detailed insights into candidates and employees.

Extended Detection Window

In Cato, WI, hair follicle testing excels with its extensive detection window, capturing drug use over up to 90 days. This offers employers a thorough review of a subject’s history for drug use, essential for roles demanding sober and responsible behavior. Such a prolonged period of retrospective analysis empowers employers with data ensuring informed hiring and review processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The tamper-resistant characteristics of hair follicle testing make it a reliable option in Cato, WI. This method significantly reduces risks of sample tampering, ensuring credible results that are hard to manipulate. The robust process secures employers' trust—upholding integrity and authenticity of results, crucial for maintaining a drug-free workplace environment.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Offering convenient access across testing centers nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing ensures hassle-free services locally in Cato, WI. This widespread reach allows individuals and employers to quickly and easily access necessary testing services without inconvenience. Our extensive network guarantees convenience and swiftness in meeting testing needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our testing process in Cato, WI is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are handled discreetly, with privacy concerns fully addressed. This seamless process allows users to engage in testing with ease, encouraging a stress-free experience while safeguarding personal data at all stages.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing structures, Accredited Drug Testing in Cato, WI provides excellent value. With fast turnaround times, employers benefit from swift and reliable results, ensuring operations continue smoothly. Our cost-effective solutions cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring affordability without compromising quality and assurance.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

With fast, precise, and reliable results, hair follicle drug testing in Cato, WI stands out for accurately detecting substance use. The advanced methodologies ensure high precision, bringing confidence in test outcomes. Speedy processing offers a thorough understanding of an individual's history with unparalleled accuracy. This approach delivers rapid turnaround times ensuring crucial decisions are made with confidence.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Cato, WI find peace of mind with hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method aids in reducing legal risks and enhancing occupational safety. Adopting this stringent testing protocol ensures a safe workplace while upholding regulatory compliance, thus fostering a security-centric environment.

Drug Testing Near Cato, WI

Francis Creek, WI

Kossuth, WI

Collins, WI

Manitowoc Rapids, WI

Kellnersville, WI

Menchalville, WI

Valders, WI

Reedsville, WI

Maple Grove, WI

Whitelaw, 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