Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Tustin, WI

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures an extended timeline of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When sampled close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to obtain, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key steps in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample into a laboratory's database. This process verifies the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screening result must be verified for court admissibility. Any samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening require additional confirmation.

If a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are withdrawn from hair at notably lower concentrations than other procedures (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is accomplished via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification 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, while urine tests possess a shorter detection time frame.
• Challenging to compromise: It is extremely challenging to falsify a hair drug test, thus enhancing accuracy.
• Offers historical usage data: It delineates a pattern of drug usage over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Drugs take approximately 5-7 days to be noticeable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs compared to other drug testing methods.
• Inconsistencies in outcomes: Variables like hair color and individual hair growth differences can impact drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: While often called "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Tustin, WI, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests in several key areas. One major advantage is the extended detection capability, allowing detection of substances long after use. This provides a more thorough history compared to urine tests, which only capture recent activity. The accuracy and reliability of hair tests make them a preferred choice for employers seeking precise evaluations.

Extended Detection Window

In Tustin, WI, hair follicle drug testing provides a significant advantage with its extended detection window. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing can detect drug usage up to 90 days prior, offering a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. This longer detection period is invaluable for employers looking to maintain a drug-free work environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Tustin, WI, the hair follicle testing method markedly reduces the threat of sample tampering. The integrity of the hair sample is preserved throughout the testing process, ensuring trustworthy and indisputable results. This makes hair testing a highly secure option for employers wishing to avoid the pitfalls of adulteration related to other testing methods.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Tustin, WI, and beyond, the convenience of numerous testing centers enhances the efficiency of accessing hair follicle testing. Featuring a wide network of nationwide locations, our services facilitate swift, straightforward, and stress-free testing. This accessibility ensures that all testing needs can be met with ease, no matter the location.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of ordering, testing, and receiving hair follicle test results in Tustin, WI, is both simple and private. We ensure confidentiality at every step, addressing privacy concerns effectively. The streamlined process ensures ease of use, so individuals and employers alike can access these testing services without unnecessary complications.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Tustin, WI, businesses benefit from cost-effective hair follicle testing solutions. With competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, our services provide excellent value and assurance for companies of varying scales. This affordability and efficiency offer peace of mind, assuring employers that they are receiving optimal service at the best price.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Tustin, WI offer precision and promptness, ensuring high accuracy when detecting substance use. These tests streamline the process, delivering fast and reliable results. The advanced technology behind hair follicle testing minimizes the risk of false negatives, giving employers a dependable assessment tool for maintaining a drug-free workplace efficiently.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring compliance with workplace drug policies is crucial for employers in Tustin, WI. Adopting hair follicle testing supports compliance, reduces legal risks, and fosters a safe work environment. Employers gain peace of mind knowing that this method aligns with their drug-free policies, enhancing overall workplace harmony and safety.

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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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