Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Neva, WI

What it is, How it works

Hair testing emerges as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term history of alcohol and various drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair's growth. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can deliver a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and additional drugs. Hair collection is easy, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair variants (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory process of drug test result analysis encompasses four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step of introducing a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample was securely sealed and properly shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial rapid drug check. While Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be accepted in court. Samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening demand subsequent confirmation.

If a sample returns presumptively positive in the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging method to execute.

GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed for confirming any positive screening outcomes. All samples deemed presumptively positive are cleansed prior to confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection time frame.
• Challenging to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is highly difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical usage data: It reveals a pattern of drug use across a timeline, unlike just detecting recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically costlier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Neva, WI

Hair tests surpass urine analyses in efficacy, offering superior detection accuracy and greater reliability.

• Extended detection period up to 90 days
• More accurate and less chance of tampering
• Preferred for organizations with stringent policies

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Neva, WI

Hair follicle tests provide a comprehensive analysis of an individual’s substance history, capable of detecting drug use up to three months prior.

• Coverage of an extended period enhances data reliability
• Valuable for evaluating long-term consumption patterns
• Essential for employers seeking detailed drug histories

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Neva, WI

Using hair samples minimizes the risk of tampering, ensuring more genuine results compared to other testing methods.

• Decreased probability of adulteration
• Tests offer results free from manipulation
• Provides trustworthy outcomes for decision-makers

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Neva, WI

With testing centers available nationwide, accessing hair follicle tests is streamlined and convenient for individuals or businesses.

• Nationwide presence means testing is accessible anywhere
• Local availability ensures swift service
• Ease of access reduces logistical challenges

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Neva, WI

The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and discreet, making it effortless for participants to understand and undertake.

• Clear protocol for ordering and collecting samples
• Privacy maintained throughout the process
• Effortless receipt of test results

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Neva, WI

Our pricing is competitive, and our turnaround time is quick, providing excellent value to enterprises of any size.

• Budget-friendly service options available
• Rapid result times to facilitate faster decision-making
• Cost-effective solutions for budget-conscious organizations

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Neva, WI

Hair follicle drug tests offer precision and certainty, quickly identifying substance use, ensuring accurate results. They excel in reliability, providing critical data for decision-makers.

• High precision in substance detection
• Swift processing time for prompt results
• Dependable outcome for informed decisions

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Neva, WI

Hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal concerns and promoting a secure work atmosphere.

• Ensure adherence to organizational standards
• Mitigate potential legal liabilities
• Contribute to safer and more productive workplace environments

Drug Testing Near Neva, WI

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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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