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HairStatSM
How are drugs incorporated into hair?
How long can drugs be detected in hair?
What drugs are in the 5,7,9, 12 and 14 panel?
How much hair is needed for a HairStatSM test?
How much nail clippings are needed for a NailStatSM test?
How are drugs incorporated into hair?
Drugs are incorporated into hair by 3 main routes:
First is environmental exposure. If an individual is exposed to drug smoke or
particulate matter, the drug will physically transfer to the hair and bind to it.
Second is from the sweat and oil of the scalp. The sweat and oil from the scalp
contain drug and drug metabolites. As these fluids bathe the hair shaft,
they deposit the drug onto the hair where it binds and is avialable for analysis.
Third is from the blood. As the blood travel through the follicle,
it deposits drug and drug metabolies into the hair.
How long can drugs be detected in hair
Once the drug and drug metabolites are incorporated into hair,
they begin to slowly leach out due to normal daily hygiene and exposure to the elements.
After approximately 3 months, most drugs have leached out below the level of detection.
Furthermore, hair grows on average at 0.5 inches per month.
Upon receipt at the laboratory, the root end is identified and
the specimen is cut at 1.5 inches, which is representative of
approximately 3 months of growth. The excess length of hair is discarded.
What drugs are in the 5,7,9, 12 and 14 panel?
a. The 5-drug panel consists of:
- Cocaine and its metabolites, cocaethylene, benzoylecgonine, norcocaine
- Methamphetamine, amphetamine, MDMA (Ecstasy), MDA (Ecstasy metabolite)
- Morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, 6-MAM
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Marijuana
b. The 7-drug panel consists of the 5 drug panel plus:
- Benzodiazepines (diazepam metabolites)
- Barbiturates
c. The 9-drug panel consists of the 7-drug panel plus:
- Methadone and EDDP (metabolite)
- Propoxyphene metabolite
d. The 12 drug panel consists of the 9-drug panel plus:
- Oxycodone
- Meperidine
- Tramadol
e. The 14 drug panel consists of the 12-drug panel plus:
How much hair is needed for a HairStatSM test?
The optimum amount of hair is 100 mg. At 1.5 inches long, 100 mg is a ponytail as big as
a #2 pencil, about 200 strands. 100 mg allows for an initial immunoassay test,
2-3 confirmation tests and a small amount left over for a referee lab, if needed for
re-test. It is our policy that if we receive at least 20 mg +/- 20%, the initial test
will be performed, because if it is negative, no further testing is required. No fees
are associated with a specimen that is “REJECTED” for Quantity Not Sufficient.
How much nail clippings are needed for a NailStatSM test?
The optimum amount of nail clippings is 100 mg. If trimming all ten fingers,
each clipping must be at least 2-3 mm long. 100 mg allows for an initial immunoassay test,
2-3 confirmation tests and a small amount left over for a referee lab, if needed
for re-test. It is our policy that if we receive at least 20 mg +/- 20%, the initial test
will be performed, because if it is negative, no further testing is required. No fees are
associated with a specimen that is “REJECTED” for Quantity Not Sufficient.
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