Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Potter, WI

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand, hair provides a retrospective view of alcohol and other drugs. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of approximately 90 days for alcohol and other drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, posing challenges to tampering, and is simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches in length with around 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) collected closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is perfect for initial testing and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unobtainable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. 'Head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas 'Body hair' encompasses all other types of hair (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

The four key phases in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the sample’s entry into a laboratory’s system. It ensures the sample’s seal and shipment integrity, assigns a random LAB (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any leftover data entry outside the electronic chain of custody framework.

Screening is a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. Though cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal acceptability. Samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate post-screen confirmation.

If the Screening phase indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is among the toughest methodologies to execute.

The Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary presumptive positive samples receive a wash prior to confirmation. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is validated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests, which have a shorter detection period.
• High level of difficulty in cheating: Cheating on a hair drug test is notably challenging, ensuring more reliable results.
• Offers historical data: It can show a pattern of drug consumption over time, instead of just recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs take around 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other testing methods.
• Result fluctuations: Hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination actually involves the analysis of the hair strand—not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Testing Outshines Urine Tests in Potter, WI revolves around accuracy and reliability. Hair follicle tests boast a superior detection window, surpassing traditional urine tests. Hair tests detect substance use over a longer time, offering unmatched accuracy. Consequently, employers gain confidence in results, knowing they reflect a comprehensive overview of substance history, a feat urine tests can't achieve.

Extended Detection Window

Comprehensive Detection Window in Potter, WI is a hallmark of hair follicle testing. Its ability to trace drug use for up to 90 days provides a more extensive insight into an individual's substance history. This prolonged detection period allows employers to make informed judgments on applicants or employees, ensuring a clearer understanding of their past behaviors compared to other testing methods.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Secure and Tamper-Free Testing in Potter, WI highlights the resistance of hair follicle tests to adulteration. The method significantly minimizes the risk of altering samples, thus ensuring the authenticity of results. This makes hair testing a reliable approach for those seeking unquestionable outcomes, as the process naturally guards against common tampering tactics found in other types of testing.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Testing Accessibility in Potter, WI is ensured with our widespread testing locations nationwide. This vast network facilitates stress-free access to testing services, extending locally in Potter as well. Our centers are readily available, promising quick, easy, and seamless testing experiences for all clients, no matter their location. Clients benefit from the flexibility and ease our network provides.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simplified and Confidential Testing in Potter, WI highlights the process of undertaking hair follicle tests. The steps, from ordering to receiving results, are streamlined for user-friendliness while maintaining confidentiality. Clients appreciate the straightforward nature of the experience, addressing concerns about privacy, and ensuring they remain at ease throughout the testing procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Cost-Effective Solutions with Quick Results in Potter, WI underline our pricing advantages and efficient turnaround times. By offering competitive rates and swift processing, we deliver exceptional value. Businesses, regardless of size, gain from our accessible pricing, ensuring financial feasibility along with the reliability of fast results that aid in timely decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast and Accurate Testing in Potter, WI ensures precision with hair follicle drug tests. These tests adeptly detect substance use, providing swift results. Their high accuracy makes them a preferred choice over other methods. By utilizing advanced technology, hair follicle testing delivers reliable insights quickly, aiding individuals and organizations in making informed decisions rapidly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Assured Compliance for Employers in Potter, WI is paramount with hair follicle testing. This practice helps maintain a drug-free workplace, aligning with legal standards and reducing potential liabilities. Employers who implement this testing benefit from enhanced safety and security, offering peace of mind that their policies are effectively supported by reliable, compliant testing solutions.

Drug Testing Near Potter, WI

New Holstein, WI

St. Nazianz, WI

Saint Nazianz, WI

Valders, WI

Stockbridge, WI

Maple Grove, WI

Dundas, WI

Sherwood, WI

Reedsville, WI

Chilton, WI

Charlestown, WI

Collins, WI

Brillion, WI

Hilbert, WI

Rantoul, WI

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews