Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bendersville, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying the usage of drugs and alcohol. This method tracks a prolonged history of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of hair as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use up to roughly a 3-month timeframe. The collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp is required to acquire 100mg of hair, which is optimum for initial testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is suggested. The sample should be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair is accepted. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, including facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of drug test outcomes encompasses four fundamental steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the primary handling of the submitted sample within the lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not cover.

Screening represents a preliminary and rapid assessment for evidence of drug misuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient means to discard drug usage for the vast majority of samples, a confirmed positive result is crucial for legal acceptability. Secondary confirmation is mandatory for samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening.

For any sample with a presumptive positive outcome at Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluids), which is why hair drug testing presents the greatest challenge among screening methods.

Confirmation for all positive screening outcomes occurs using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is supervised under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair testing can identify drug use over a span of up to 90 days, unlike urine testing which covers a shorter detection period.
• Resistance to tampering: The accuracy of hair drug testing is high since it is hard to manipulate the results.
• Chronological usage data: The test can outline a historical pattern of drug use rather than only recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect immediate usage: Drugs become recognizable in hair only after about 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: The cost of hair drug testing typically exceeds that of other drug assessment methodologies.
• Result variations: Differences in hair color and personal hair growth can influence the levels of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: The process often described as "hair follicle tests" actually examines the strand of hair and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Bendersville, PA, hair follicle testing presents a significant advantage over traditional urine testing. Hair tests excel in providing superior detection accuracy due to their extended detection window. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis can trace substance use over a much longer period, offering employers a more comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history.

Furthermore, hair testing offers unmatched reliability. Unlike urine tests, which can be subject to evasion tactics, hair samples are collected in a controlled environment, ensuring the integrity of results. This accuracy ensures that employers in Bendersville are making informed decisions based on solid evidence.

Extended Detection Window

In Bendersville, PA, the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing sets it apart from other methods. This advanced testing can detect drug use over a period of up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history. For employers, this extended timeframe offers invaluable insights into the consistency and patterns of an applicant's or employee's drug use.

Employers are equipped with a clear picture of substance habits, aiding in the hiring process and ongoing employee assessments. With hair testing, businesses can evaluate long-term behavioral patterns, ensuring that they maintain a productive and drug-free environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Bendersville, PA, are highly regarded for their ability to reduce tampering risks. This testing method is difficult to adulterate compared to urine samples, providing employers with confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the results. The stringent collection process ensures the integrity and credibility of each sample.

This reduced risk of tampering means that businesses can rely on unquestionable results, maintaining a drug-free work environment. Hair testing eliminates the common issues associated with sample manipulation, providing the assurance that each test reflects genuine substance use.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience is key in Bendersville, PA, with our nationwide testing centers providing easy access to hair follicle testing services. Our local and nationwide locations ensure quick and efficient testing, minimizing hassle and maximizing convenience for individuals and companies alike.

With such comprehensive coverage, accessing hair testing services is a seamless experience. Whether in Bendersville or beyond, our centers are strategically positioned to offer hassle-free testing, making it simple for clients to meet their testing needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Bendersville, PA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step is streamlined for ease of use, ensuring that individuals face no hurdles in obtaining the necessary services while safeguarding their privacy.

Handling everything with the utmost care, our process addresses privacy concerns effectively. By offering a discreet and straightforward experience, users can confidently manage their testing procedures, secure in the knowledge that confidentiality is maintained at all times.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Bendersville, PA, our hair follicle testing services are both affordable and efficient. With competitive pricing structures, businesses of all sizes can access high-quality testing solutions without facing prohibitive costs, ensuring that everyone can maintain a drug-free workplace.

Moreover, with fast turnaround times, our service offers excellent value, ensuring that results are returned promptly. This efficient service allows companies to make informed decisions swiftly, upholding their standards and ensuring operational continuity.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Bendersville, PA, hair follicle drug tests are known for their fast and precise results. Their high accuracy ensures that any substance use is readily and reliably detected, giving users confidence in the testing process. This meticulous approach means that not only are results swift, but they also maintain a high standard of reliability.

For those needing clear answers, hair testing in Bendersville, PA, provides a dependable option. With a focus on delivering outcomes both quickly and accurately, individuals and businesses alike can rely on this method to illuminate their understanding of substance use statuses.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Bendersville, PA, hair follicle testing is a vital tool for maintaining a drug-free workplace. By using this method, businesses can ensure compliance with workplace policies and mitigate legal risks. Hair testing provides peace of mind, knowing that they are adhering to regulations and maintaining a safe work environment.

This testing method not only boosts workplace safety but also enhances an employer’s reputation for taking proactive steps against substance misuse. Committed to fostering a secure environment, employers choose hair testing to uphold their policies and secure peace of mind.

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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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