Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Medina, WI

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly considered an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When trimmed close to the scalp, hair can indicate alcohol and drug exposure up to roughly three months prior. Hair samples are easily obtained, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp, offers 100mg—ideal for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional screens, or tests over 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's recommended to measure the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is lacking, a comparable quantity of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, armpit, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab process for reaching a drug test conclusion involves four pivotal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial handling of a sample upon entering a lab's system. This process confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any extra data gaps not covered by an electronic custody system.

Screening consists of a preliminary substance abuse evaluation. Although Screening effectively rules out most drug use from many samples, any positive results need confirmation for legal validity. Samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening require further verification.

If Screening results in a presumptive positive, additional hair from the original sample is processed for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which reasons why hair drug testing is one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.

Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation, as necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accredited by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug tests can trace drug ingestion for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a briefer detection timespan.
• Difficult to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is exceedingly challenging, thus ensuring greater accuracy of results.
• Chronological data: Accumulates evidence of drug usage patterns over time, as opposed to recent consumption alone.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs typically become traceable in hair after around 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be more costly than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Differences such as hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Medina, WI, the superior benefits of hair follicle testing over urine testing are evident. Hair testing offers better detection accuracy and is more reliable, often preferred by employers with strict no-drug policies. The extended detection timeframe of up to 90 days provides a broader view of drug use history, proving to be a more effective choice than traditional urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Medina, WI benefits greatly from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing. Capable of identifying substance use up to 90 days back, it provides employers with a thorough assessment of an applicant's or employee's drug history. This comprehensive insight allows for more informed decision-making, enhancing workplace safety and regulatory compliance.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Medina, WI, hair follicle tests offer a robust solution against sample tampering. This testing method significantly lowers the chances of adulteration, ensuring reliable, unquestionable results. The inherent nature of collecting hair samples makes manipulation extremely difficult, providing a trustworthy solution for drug testing needs.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Medina, WI takes full advantage of Accredited Drug Testing's expansive network with nationwide and local testing centers. This accessibility ensures quick and stress-free testing experiences, allowing clients to easily and conveniently fulfill their drug testing needs. The proximity of facilities eliminates logistical hurdles, promoting seamless testing procedures.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of hair follicle testing in Medina, WI is straightforward and highly confidential. It's designed to be simple from ordering to testing and receiving results, addressing any privacy concerns. Clients can rest assured that their information remains secure and that the process is hassle-free, providing ease of use across all stages.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Medina, WI, competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle drug tests highly attractive for businesses of all sizes. The affordability and efficiency of the service ensure excellent value, enhancing peace of mind for companies concerned with maintaining their drug-free policies.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The advantages of hair follicle drug tests in Medina, WI are notable for their high precision and swift results. These tests excel in detecting substances with high accuracy, presenting a reliable alternative to more conventional testing methods. The swift turnaround times and reliable outcomes ensure that substances are accurately detected, providing peace of mind to both employers and individuals.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle testing in Medina, WI grants employers compliance with drug-free workplace policies and offers peace of mind. This method helps mitigate legal risks and strengthens workplace safety initiatives. Employers can confidently enforce zero-tolerance policies, assured of accurate drug use assessments throughout the workforce.

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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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