Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Oakfield, WI

What it is, How it works

Hair analyses have gained traction as an effective approach for uncovering alcohol and drug consumption. Hair retains a prolonged imprint of alcohol and drugs by encasing biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When clipped near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection timeframe for substances. It is straightforward to gather hair, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for evaluation and validation. For EtG, add-on screenings, and comprehensive testing beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It's recommended to measure the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If head hair can't be used, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be taken. Referring to head hair signifies scalp hair exclusively. All other hair categories are classified as body hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of drug test outcomes comprises four essential phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This phase involves checking that the sample is sealed and dispatched appropriately, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplementary data input not encapsulated by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.

Screening comprises an initial cursory examination for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for excluding drug use in the majority of samples, a confirmed positive in Screening is vital for court validity. Samples with preliminary positive results in Screening mandate an additional confirmation.

Samples that show a preliminary positive in the Screening phase undergo additional hair retrieval from the original sample, which is then prepared for Extraction. In the Extraction phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than from other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any Screening positives occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the complete lab sequence is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests that have a brief detection window.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating on a hair drug test is extremely challenging, ensuring more reliable results.
• Historical consumption pattern: It provides data on habitual drug use over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot spot recent intake: Detection in hair requires approximately 5-7 days post-drug use.
• Price: Hair drug screenings tend to be pricier than alternative drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Individual differences like hair color and growth patterns can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although often labeled "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair shaft instead of the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing against traditional urine tests in Oakfield, WI, the benefits are clear. Hair testing surpasses urine testing in detection accuracy and reliability, providing a broader detection window while maintaining high standard integrity. It presents a superior option for organizations and individuals striving for dependable results.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Oakfield, WI, benefit from hair follicle testing’s extended detection window. Capable of identifying substance use for up to 90 days, this method offers a thorough insight into an employee or candidate’s drug history. This extended period allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of an individual's past behaviors.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle testing approach in Oakfield, WI, significantly mitigates tampering risks. This method ensures authenticity by minimizing sample adulteration. The robust integrity of hair tests delivers reliable results, providing assurance against any manipulations that might compromise the outcome.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Oakfield, WI, and across the nation, our testing centers provide convenient access to drug testing services. Our widespread network ensures that wherever you are, you can access quick, hassle-free testing catering to your needs with ease and efficiency.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Oakfield, WI, is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to the test-taking and result-receiving stages, the process upholds privacy and simplicity. This ensures ease of use for participants and addresses any concerns regarding confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Oakfield, WI, we offer competitive pricing for hair follicle tests alongside fast turnaround times. Our service promises excellent value, catering to companies of all sizes while ensuring swift result delivery, thereby providing peace of mind and great financial efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Oakfield, WI, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests set them apart. These tests offer unparalleled accuracy in capturing substance use. Their ability to identify traces of drugs is not only swift but incredibly reliable, ensuring that results are returned expediently without sacrificing trustworthiness.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle testing in Oakfield, WI, supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method not only reinforces safety but also provides legal protection by upholding strict standards. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing they are fostering a safe and legally sound work environment.

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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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