Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Fairbanks, WI

What it is, How it works

The use of hair testing is a robust method to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term record keeper for alcohol and drug markers by capturing them in the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. If sampled near the scalp, hair can show up to a 3-month history of drug and alcohol use. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.

A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp provides 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is advisable. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Summary

The laboratory establishes drug test results through four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the initial intake of a sample into the laboratory’s workflow. This phase ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry absent from the electronic custody records.

Screening is a preliminary review to identify drug use. It provides a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug presence in most samples, but a positive test here must be verified to be court-admissible. Any samples tentatively identified as positive in Screening require further confirmation.

Should a Screening result be tentatively positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for further Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), positioning hair drug screening as the most intricate methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening results uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentatively positive samples undergo cleaning before confirmation, if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory procedure is reviewed per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in line with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug tests can find drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection timeframe.
• Hard to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is quite difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Tracks historical use: It can illustrate drug usage patterns over time, not merely recent use.

Drawbacks:

• Not for recent use detection: It generally takes 5-7 days for drugs to be noticeable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests often cost more than other testing approaches.
• Result variations: Aspects like hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Fairbanks, WI is evident when comparing their capabilities. Hair tests provide an unparalleled detection window and accuracy, making them a superior choice.

Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers a longer detection period with heightened reliability, making it notably difficult to evade. When it comes to precision and detection, hair tests have proven themselves more advanced.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Fairbanks, WI offers a significant advantage. Hair testing can trace drug use up to 90 days, offering a broader insight into an individual’s habits.

This extensive 90-day window aids employers by providing comprehensive substance history, ensuring informed employment decisions. With hair testing, gaining clarity on an employee or applicant’s background has never been clearer.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Assurance in Fairbanks, WI is a key benefit of hair follicle tests. They substantially reduce sample tampering risks, guaranteeing the authenticity of results.

The method is designed to prevent adulteration, maintaining the integrity of the testing process. These measures secure undeniable and accurate outcomes, providing peace of mind to the test administrators and clients.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Widespread Testing Locations in Fairbanks, WI ensure easy access. With a robust network of nationwide testing centers, conducting tests has become straightforward.

The convenience of nationwide coverage means locations are nearby, eliminating hassle and ensuring seamless access to testing services for everyone.

Simple, Confidential Process

The Simple, Confidential Process in Fairbanks, WI prioritizes ease and privacy. From ordering to obtaining results, the method is designed for simplicity.

Users value the confidentiality maintained throughout, addressing any privacy concerns. With straightforward steps, individuals find it stress-free to engage with the process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Options and Quick Service in Fairbanks, WI guarantee excellent value. Our cost-effective pricing models cater to companies of various sizes.

Combined with fast turnaround, these services offer a perfect blend of value and efficiency. Companies rely on our competitive edge for both cost and speed, ensuring satisfaction and trust.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast and Accurate Results are essential in Fairbanks, WI. Hair follicle testing delivers both precision and speed, ensuring that you receive reliable assessments. With its high capability to detect substance use, hair testing stands out.

Emphasizing reliability, hair tests provide quick feedback on drug use, leaving no room for error. These tests are designed to bring forth authentic results, catering to those who need quick and accurate verification.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Fairbanks, WI, are paramount. Hair follicle testing helps adhere to drug-free workplace policies and reduces legal liabilities.

Implementing these tests helps enhance workplace safety while providing assurance that policies are maintained. Employers enjoy peace of mind, knowing their workforce abides by expected standards.

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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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