Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Auburn, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures biomarkers within the fibers as it grows, offering a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use. A sample taken near the scalp can reveal drug and alcohol usage for up to three months. This type of testing is straightforward to conduct, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.

A sample size of 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary stages in processing a drug test in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the sample’s initial processing in the lab’s system. This process ensures the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening entails a primary examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical means to rule out drug presence in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for it to be allowable in legal proceedings. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening need subsequent confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for preparation in the Extraction process. Here, drugs are extracted from the hair at concentrations significantly lower than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is among the more challenging methodologies.

Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation when required. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug consumption over 90 days, exceeding the shorter span of urine tests.
• Minimal possibility of tampering: The difficulty in tampering with a hair drug test enhances result accuracy.
• Shows historical use: It offers an account of drug consumption patterns over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Not suitable for recent detection: Detection in hair requires about 5-7 days post-drug use.
• Higher expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other methods.
• Variable results: Factors such as hair color and growth rates can influence drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Auburn, PA

Choosing a hair follicle test over urine tests in Auburn, PA guarantees enhanced accuracy and reliability. Hair tests surpass traditional methods due to their superior detection capabilities and extended detection window. They provide a more detailed view of substance use, making them preferable for those seeking thorough and consistent results on a wide range of substances.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Auburn, PA

Hair follicle testing in Auburn, PA offers an extensive detection timeframe, reaching up to 90 days. This prolonged window allows employers to gather a more complete picture of an individual’s substance use history, surpassing the capabilities of urine tests. It provides added insight into past drug use habits, contributing to more informed decision-making processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Auburn, PA

Hair follicle tests in Auburn, PA significantly lower the chance of sample tampering compared to urine tests. This testing method is observed and secure, making it nearly impossible to alter results, ensuring the test's integrity. Such tamper-proof nature offers trustworthy outcomes that employers and professionals depend on for making critical decisions.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Auburn, PA

With testing centers situated conveniently across the nation, accessing hair follicle testing in Auburn, PA is seamless. This widespread network allows easy, hassle-free entry to testing services ensuring no delay in obtaining necessary results. The vast reach ensures individuals and employers can swiftly find a nearby center, simplifying the testing process.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Auburn, PA

The process for securing hair follicle tests in Auburn, PA is both straightforward and discreet. From booking to results delivery, it upholds privacy, addressing confidentiality concerns effectively. This clear and unobtrusive process ensures ease and security for all involved, fostering trust and satisfaction in those needing testing services.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Auburn, PA

Our competitive pricing structures paired with quick result delivery make hair follicle testing in Auburn, PA a smart, affordable choice for businesses of all sizes. This ensures great value for money while meeting the urgency required by employers. The swift turnaround combined with cost efficiency supports all testing needs effectively.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Auburn, PA

Hair follicle drug tests offer precision and swift processing times. They're remarkably accurate in assessing substance use, making them a trusted choice for quick and error-free results. In Auburn, PA, hair testing stands out for its ability to deliver timely, reliable outcomes, reassuring both employers and individuals of the test's dependability and efficiency.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Auburn, PA

Employers in Auburn, PA benefit from the peace of mind provided by hair follicle testing. It supports adherence to workplace drug policies, thus reducing legal risks. This testing method ensures a safer working environment by identifying drug usage while offering reassurance that compliance criteria are met. It strengthens workplace integrity and security.

Drug Testing Near Auburn, PA

Midway, PA

Russell, PA

Summerville, PA

South Waverly, PA

Mill Village, PA

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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