Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Stephenson, WI

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive historical record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the structures of the developing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to an approximately 3-month time frame for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair cannot be sourced, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four fundamental stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial treatment of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This step includes ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial rapid examination for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen needs to be substantiated to be valid in court. Any samples that return a presumptively positive result in Screening require a secondary confirmation.

If a sample returns a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is among the most complex methods to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined 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 window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection window.
• Difficult to deceive: It is nearly impossible to cheat a hair drug test, enhancing the accuracy of the results.
• Offers historical insights: It can illustrate a pattern of drug consumption over time, beyond just recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other drug testing modalities.
• Inconsistencies in outcomes: Influences like hair color and individual growth patterns can alter the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing testing methods in Stephenson, WI, hair follicle testing emerges as superior to urine testing. Benefits:

• Extended detection window up to 90 days
• Minimal risk of sample tampering
• More comprehensive substance use history

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing extends the detection window for drug use up to 90 days in Stephenson, WI. This method provides a thorough insight into an individual's substance use history, enabling employers to assess patterns of behavior and make informed decisions regarding employment. This long-term detection capability offers reassurance and a comprehensive view of potential risks.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Stephenson, WI, hair follicle testing stands as a tamper-resistant option for drug testing. The method greatly minimizes the likelihood of sample adulteration, guaranteeing reliable and trustworthy results. Such assurances are vital for stakeholders who require certainty and integrity in their testing processes, ensuring a high standard of test accuracy and security.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accessing hair follicle testing in Stephenson, WI is convenient with our network of nationwide centers. These accessible locations ensure a hassle-free process, enabling quick and efficient testing services. Whether locally or beyond, individuals and organizations can benefit from the flexibility and ease of finding a center close to them for all their testing needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Stephenson, WI is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step prioritizes privacy and user-friendliness. This simple approach ensures individuals can comfortably manage the testing process without concerns over privacy breaches, fostering trust and ease in utilizing these services.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Stephenson, WI benefits from our hair follicle testing's competitive pricing and fast turnaround. Businesses of all sizes can enjoy value through economical pricing structures and swift result deliveries. This approach offers extensive benefits, ensuring peace of mind with cost-effective solutions and prompt attention to company and individual testing requirements.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Stephenson, WI, hair follicle drug testing is known for its rapid, accurate outcomes. Unlike traditional methods, it excels in delivering fast results, pinpointing substance use with unmatched precision. This innovative approach not only enhances the reliability of findings but also offers peace of mind for employers and other stakeholders counting on the integrity of the testing process.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Stephenson, WI can achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method supports drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and boosting workplace safety. With thorough and reliable testing, employers can maintain a safe, compliant environment while promoting overall employee well-being and trust in organizational protocols.

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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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