Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Avalon, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now perceived as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of substances by embedding biomarkers in the strands as the hair grows. When harvested near the scalp, hair can present an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. It is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hair strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for testing and validation. For EtG, extensions, and/or evaluations beyond 10 panels, it is suggested to use 150mg of the sample. We advise measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair cannot be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The process sequence in the lab examination of a drug test result consists of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial processing of a specimen into a lab’s database. This step verifies that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any missing data entry that the electronic chain of custody system does not provide.

Screening is a preliminary inspection for signs of drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage for most specimens, any results from a positive screen must be corroborated to be legally valid in court. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require further verification.

Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the same specimen to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at substantially lower concentrations than through different techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening a challenging methodology to execute.

Any positive results from Screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Samples that test presumptively positive are washed pre-confirmation if required. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed in accordance with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a briefer detection timeframe.
• Hard to circumvent: Cheating on a hair drug test is extremely difficult, increasing the accuracy of results.
• Offers historical insight: It provides a timeline of drug usage over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting newer usage: Drugs take about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs than other drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual growth differences can impact the concentration of drug residues in the hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Avalon, PA highlights the superiority of hair tests over urine screens. Hair follicle testing presents a significant edge in detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine methods. With a longer detection window and fewer chances of tampering, many employers and professionals prefer this robust technique.

In Avalon, PA, the benefits of hair follicle testing over urine tests are evident. Hair tests offer an extended tracking period, making them more effective in uncovering drug use over time. The increased accuracy and dependability make them advantageous for both employers and individuals in need of comprehensive drug use assessments.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window is a compelling reason for choosing hair follicle testing in Avalon, PA. Covering up to 90 days of potential substance use, hair follicle tests provide employers with a thorough view of an individual's drug history. This extended period is instrumental in evaluating someone's prior substance use activities.

Employers favor these tests because they grant a comprehensive overview of an applicant or employee's past substance use. The long detection interval allows for a more exhaustive examination, aiding decision-makers in Avalon, PA who require a detailed understanding of an individual's drug habits over an extended timeframe.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method is a key advantage of employing hair follicle tests in Avalon, PA. These tests notably decrease the possibility of sample falsification, offering secured and credible outcomes. In contrast to some other testing methods, hair tests render it nearly impossible to alter the samples, ensuring authenticity.

With hair follicle tests, the chances of manipulating the test are slim, which is why they are trusted over other methods. In Avalon, PA, where reliable results are crucial, the resistance to tampering provided by hair testing is a significant asset, guaranteeing dependable assessments every time.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations enhance the accessibility of services in Avalon, PA. Our extensive network ensures quick, easy, and stress-free access to drug testing. Whether local or across the nation, our centers provide readily available services when you need them, with minimal hassle.

Choosing our network in Avalon, PA comes with the convenience of numerous locations. This vast reach makes our drug testing services accessible, saving you time and effort. Whether for work-related requirements or personal needs, our centers are strategically positioned to aid your testing requirements effortlessly.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Avalon, PA, details how our streamlined approach ensures ease and privacy from order to results. With an emphasis on discretion, the process is designed to protect individual privacy while maintaining simplicity for users at every stage.

In Avalon, PA, we prioritize confidentiality alongside convenience. From ordering a test to retrieving results, the process remains clear and user-friendly, alleviating concerns about privacy and ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround characterize our offering in Avalon, PA. With competitive pricing structures, we ensure quality service without breaking the bank. The focus on quick turnaround times guarantees that companies receive vital information swiftly and economically, balancing accessibility with budget-friendly rates.

In Avalon, PA, our services emphasize both value and speed, making drug testing solutions economically viable for businesses of all sizes. Our commitment to affordability paired with efficient delivery ensures peace of mind, knowing that expenses remain controlled while receiving prompt results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results are critical when it comes to hair follicle drug tests in Avalon, PA. Unlike other methods, these tests ensure a high degree of precision and speed, reliably identifying substance usage. Their accuracy in pinpointing drug consumption makes them a preferred choice among professionals seeking swift and dependable results.

The advantages of choosing hair follicle testing include its remarkable accuracy and expeditious process. These tests offer a robust detection capability, presenting clear outcomes with minimal delay. For those in Avalon, PA looking for trustworthy results, this testing method stands out for its reliability and rapidity.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers is assured with hair follicle testing in Avalon, PA. By employing these tests, companies can uphold their drug-free workplace policies, substantially reducing legal liabilities while enhancing safety. This further leads to less risk and greater compliance for businesses.

In Avalon, PA, organizations find confidence in the use of hair follicle testing, which supports adherence to regulatory standards. Ensuring a safe and compliant work environment not only protects against potential legal issues but also fosters a secure and productive workplace.

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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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