Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Sheldon, WI

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair strands capture biomarkers within their growing fibers, which reflect a prolonged history of exposure to alcohol and other substances. When hair samples are taken near the scalp, they can retain detectable markers of alcohol and drugs for up to around three months. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and it can be easily transported.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches long and comprising about 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those beyond 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. It is recommended to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be available, a similar volume of body hair can be used as a substitute. When referring to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. All other hair types, such as facial or axillary hair, are categorized as body hair.

Process Overview

The lab processing of a drug test comprises four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. It involves ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry that the electronic chain of custody system didn't capture.

Screening provides a rapid assessment for potential drug misuse. Although it is an economical approach to exclude drug usage in the majority of samples, any positive screens require confirmation to be considered valid in legal contexts. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.

For samples that are initially positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for further processing in the Extraction stage. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods, such as urine or oral fluids, which makes hair drug testing particularly challenging.

Confirmation of any positive screen result is done using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subjected to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair regulations and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests offer up to a 90-day window of detection, unlike urine tests that have a shorter detection span.
• Difficult to manipulate: Manipulating the results of a hair drug test is notably challenging, thus enhancing accuracy.
• Historical insight: It reveals patterns of drug use across time instead of just indicating recent intake.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Drugs take about 5-7 days to become apparent in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be more costly than alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and personal hair growth rates might influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation focuses on the hair strands rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Sheldon, WI, outshines traditional urine tests through its superior accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are commonplace, they fall short in comparison to hair tests which provide a broader detection window and more precise results. Hair testing's heightened accuracy is critical in various settings, proving to be an undisputed leader in drug detection.

Extended Detection Window

The extensive detection window offered by hair follicle testing in Sheldon, WI, spans up to 90 days, providing an in-depth view of an individual's drug use history. For employers, this testing method offers a reliable snapshot of an applicant or employee's substance history, enabling informed decision-making during hiring or throughout employment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests conducted in Sheldon, WI, offer a tamper-resistant method of drug screening. Unlike conventional tests, hair samples are less susceptible to adulteration, ensuring dependable results. This method's resistance to manipulation sets a higher standard for reliability and is a key advantage for stakeholders requiring trustworthy data.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Sheldon, WI, is among numerous locations served by Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide centers. The widespread availability of testing centers ensures individuals can access drug testing services with ease. This network facilitates quick, hassle-free testing services, making it convenient for everyone involved.

Simple, Confidential Process

Accredited Drug Testing in Sheldon, WI, offers a simple, confidential process from ordering to results delivery. The straightforward procedure respects clients' privacy and emphasizes user-friendliness, ensuring ease of access and maintaining discretion throughout the testing experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Sheldon, WI, Accredited Drug Testing delivers affordable pricing and swift turnaround times, catering to businesses of all sizes. Clients benefit from competitive pricing structures while enjoying peace of mind with fast results, ensuring they receive exceptional value without compromising quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision of hair follicle drug tests in detecting substance use is unparalleled in Sheldon, WI. The process ensures rapid and accurate results, reflecting the latest advancements in drug testing methodology. The high accuracy rates provided by hair testing cannot be overemphasized, establishing it as a reliable choice for comprehensive detection.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Sheldon, WI, benefit from hair follicle testing as it supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and bolsters safety measures, providing peace of mind. Ensuring compliance, hair testing is a strategic choice that aligns with zero-tolerance policies.

Drug Testing Near Sheldon, WI

Ford, WI

Birch Creek, WI

Cornell, WI

True, WI

Glen Flora, WI

Ladysmith, WI

Estella, WI

Gilman, WI

Tony, WI

Holcombe, WI

Ruby, WI

Hannibal, WI

Jump River, WI

Grow, WI

Conrath, 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