Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Scandinavia, WI

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has become recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair holds a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. When harvested near the scalp, hair may offer an approximate 3-month period of detection for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.

An ideal sample for analysis consists of a 1.5-inch-long portion comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, amounting to 100mg, optimal for a thorough examination. For enhanced EtG analysis or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair indicate scalp hair specifically, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary).

Process Overview

The key stages in processing a drug test result within a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is concerned with initially integrating a sample into the laboratory framework, ensuring that the sample was securely sealed and dispatched correctly, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any supplementary information absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening constitutes a preliminary examination for substances frequently abused. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug usage for the bulk of samples, a positive result during screening must be validated to be viable in legal settings. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening necessitate an additional confirmation process.

In cases where a sample is flagged as presumptively positive during the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for the Extraction phase. During this stage, the extraction of drugs from hair occurs at a notably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug analysis the most challenging procedure to execute.

Confirmation of any non-negative results from screening is executed utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Before confirmation, all samples with presumptive positives undergo washing as necessary. The complete testing process from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accredited in alignment with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can unveil drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection span.
• Resistant to deception: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely difficult, thus enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: It allows a depiction of drug use patterns over time, rather than solely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Typically, hair drug tests are pricier compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and personal variations in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", such tests examine the hair strand itself, not the follicle under the skin.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Scandinavia, WI, hair follicle tests present numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. One of the key benefits is superior detection accuracy, as these tests identify drug use over a more extended period compared to urine tests. Hair tests uncover substance use that may otherwise remain undetected in other testing forms.

Employers in Scandinavia value reliability in drug testing. Hair follicle tests offer a significant advantage by providing reliable results that withstand scrutiny. Unlike urine tests, hair tests maintain their accuracy, demonstrating unmatched efficacy in testing accuracy.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Scandinavia, WI, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This capability provides employers with an in-depth understanding of an employee's substance use history, surpassing the detection period of traditional drug tests.

The extended detection window is a vital aspect for comprehensive assessments of drug use patterns. By capturing long-term substance use histories, employers gain insights necessary for informed decision-making when assessing candidates and employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Scandinavia, WI, benefits from hair follicle tests that are tamper-resistant, significantly reducing the risk of adulteration. The authenticity of results is assured, fostering confidence among employers and professionals seeking reliable drug testing solutions.

The integrity of hair sample testing remains uncompromising, as the processes are carefully structured to prevent any potential tampering. This ensures that results are consistent, eliminating the risk of manipulation often encountered in other testing methods.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience stands out with Accredited Drug Testing's widespread presence in Scandinavia, WI, and throughout the nation. Nationwide testing centers ensure easy access to testing services, eliminating unnecessary travel and hassle.

Local centers provide quick and efficient service delivery. With numerous locations available, clients benefit from stress-free scheduling and reduced wait times, increasing the overall convenience of the testing process.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Scandinavia, WI, hair follicle testing involves a simple and confidential process, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring ease and comfort. Clients can enjoy a streamlined ordering experience, quick sample collection, and straightforward receipt of results.

Confidentiality is assured as private information is handled securely, offering peace of mind to individuals and businesses utilizing hair follicle drug testing services.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Scandinavia, WI, benefits from Accredited Drug Testing's affordable pricing and swift result turnaround times. These attributes deliver outstanding value for companies, regardless of size, seeking comprehensive drug testing solutions.

Our competitive pricing structure empowers businesses to access reliable testing without breaking the bank, allowing for budget-conscious planning and execution of necessary drug screening programs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Scandinavia, WI, are known for their speed and accuracy, providing fast results that are highly reliable. This testing methodology swiftly identifies any substance use, offering prompt results and enabling timely decision-making for employers and other professionals.

The precision of hair follicle tests lies in their ability to detect a wide array of substances with remarkable accuracy. By closely analyzing collected hair samples, these tests deliver conclusive evidence of substance ingestion, effectively guiding actions and interventions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance advantages for employers using hair follicle tests in Scandinavia, WI, include adherence to workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal issues and promoting a safe work environment.

Employers gain peace of mind due to hair tests' thorough compliance with regulations set out to maintain drug-free workplaces. This proactive approach reduces legal risks and encourages a safer, more productive working environment.

Drug Testing Near Scandinavia, WI

Manawa, WI

Lanark, WI

Chain O' Lakes, WI

Waupaca, WI

Chain O' Lakes-King, WI

King, WI

Nelsonville, WI

Amherst Junction, WI

Helvetia, WI

Amherst, WI

New Hope, WI

Ogdensburg, WI

Sheridan, WI

St. Lawrence, WI

Iola, 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