Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Omro, WI

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair strand captures biomarkers over time as it grows, providing a prolonged period of data on alcohol and drug exposure. When cut near the scalp, hair can reveal usage patterns over a period extending up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transportation is simple.

A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is an optimal amount for both initial testing and verification. For EtG, additional procedures, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a larger sample of 150mg is advised. It’s important to weigh this sample with precision using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be provided, the equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair imply scalp hair only, while body hair encompasses all other types, like facial and underarm hair.

Process Overview

A drug test evaluation in a laboratory follows these core stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial phase of embedding a sample into the lab's workflow. This step ensures the sample is correctly sealed and sent, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputs any ancillary information not included in the electronic chain of custody method.

Screening is a preliminary assessment for illicit substances. Though it is a cost-efficient measure to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive outcome in this phase must be corroborated for legal admissibility. Samples that test positive during Screening require a confirmatory test.

Upon a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This involves removing drugs from the hair at levels significantly lower compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva testing), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug testing.

Confirmation for any positive result found during Screening is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a cleansing step before confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria as well as ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection period: Hair tests can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a more limited detection timeframe.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is notably difficult, yielding more dependable results.
• Trends over time: They demonstrate drug use habits over several months, not just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Inability to spot recent use: Detection of drugs in hair requires approximately 5-7 days post-exposure.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs compared to alternative testing methods.
• Outcome variability: Elements like hair color and personal hair growth differences can impact drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually involves analyzing the hair strand rather than the scalp’s hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Omro, WI

• Hair tests provide remarkably broad detection windows, surpassing the scope of urine tests.
• The accuracy and dependability of hair analyses excel compared to traditional methods.
• Employers gain more reliable insights with hair tests by reducing false negatives or tampered samples.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Omro, WI

• Hair follicle testing excels by capturing drug use traces from up to 90 days prior.
• This extensive window equips employers with a comprehensive understanding of substance use.
• Evaluating longer histories aids businesses in making informed staffing decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Omro, WI

• Hair follicle testing is robust against tampering, offering reliable sample integrity.
• Minimized alteration risks ensure results remain uncontested, strengthening trust in outcomes.
• This testing reassures stakeholders of the authenticity of the process and its conclusions.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Omro, WI

• Our extensive network ensures easy access to testing services nationwide.
• Local centers provide convenient and straightforward testing experiences in Omro.
• These facilities prioritize hassle-free processes to meet client needs effectively.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Omro, WI

• We prioritize a straightforward, private process for hair follicle testing.
• From ordering tests to receiving results, our system protects your confidentiality.
• Maintaining privacy and user-friendliness remains at the core of our services.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Omro, WI

• Our competitive pricing structures provide significant value for employers.
• Enjoy the benefits of quick turnaround times to meet urgent testing needs.
• Businesses of all sizes find peace of mind in our cost-effective solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Omro, WI

• Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its exceptional precision and speed.
• Results derived from hair samples are highly accurate, pinpointing substance use efficiently.
• This method ensures fast, dependable outcomes, catering to the urgent needs of employers and individuals alike.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Omro, WI

• Opting for hair follicle tests helps companies adhere to drug-free workplace policies.
• This reduces potential legal issues and enhances organizational safety measures.
• Employers can rest easy knowing they're aligned with compliance 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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