Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Cherryville, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair contains a prolonged record of substances by trapping identifiers in the hair strand’s fibers as they grow. Hair collected near the scalp can cover close to a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, challenging to adulterate, and straightforward to transport.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of 200 strands (approximating a #2 pencil) near the scalp is sufficient to yield 100mg, which is the preferred quantity for testing and affirmation. For tests like EtG, additional panels above 10, 150mg is advisable. Use a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen's weight. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. By "head hair," we mean only scalp hair, while "body hair" designates all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab process for drug test results involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails entering a sample into the lab’s system initially. This process verifies the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.

Screening is a rapid initial assessment for drug presence. Though cost-efficient for excluding drug use across multiple samples, a positive result requires confirmation to hold in court. Presumptively positive samples in Screening need secondary confirmation.

When a sample yields a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair from the original sample undergoes Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening notably demanding.

Confirmation of any positive is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests reveal drug use extending up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter duration of urine tests.
• Resistance to cheating: Cheating on a hair drug test is notably difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Delivers historical data: It offers a comprehensive pattern of drug use over time, beyond recent consumption.

Limitations:

• No recent use detection: Drugs take approximately 5-7 days to appear in the hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Cherryville, PA, hair follicle testing is an advantageous alternative to urine testing, offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. The key lies in its extended detection period, capturing substance usage over several months. Consequently, hair tests provide a broader perspective on an individual's drug history, surpassing the limited detection time of urine tests.

Compared to traditional urine testing, hair follicle tests in Cherryville, PA, significantly lessen the chance of adulteration. This feature ensures results remain unquestioned and trustworthy. With such robust integrity and extended detection capabilities, hair testing becomes the clear choice for comprehensive drug screening.

Extended Detection Window

Cherryville, PA's hair follicle testing boasts an extended detection window, offering insights into drug use for up to 90 days. This prolonged timeframe empowers employers in evaluating the substance history of applicants or employees, fostering informed decisions. Such extensive detection surpasses the capabilities of shorter-term tests.

This generous detection period provides employers in Cherryville, PA with a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance habits. By covering a substantial timeframe, hair follicle tests cater to the need for better understanding of long-term drug use, offering an extensive assessment unmatched by other tests.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Cherryville, PA, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant solution, significantly curbing the risk of sample tampering. This method ensures the integrity of the sample, leading to reliable and indisputable results, providing an edge over tests susceptible to manipulation.

Considering the challenge of sample adulteration, hair tests in Cherryville, PA stand out by minimizing tampering opportunities. This secure method enhances test credibility, reassuring stakeholders about the reliability of the results, which remain beyond reproach in accuracy and trustworthiness.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Cherryville, PA benefits from our convenient nationwide testing locations, ensuring easy access to hair follicle testing services. Accredited Drug Testing's extensive network facilitates hassle-free, prompt testing experiences for individuals and businesses alike, streamlining the entire process.

With local and national testing centers, accessing our services in Cherryville, PA is seamless. Our readily available facilities guarantee swift and effortless testing experiences. This expansive reach highlights the convenience and accessibility our testing infrastructure provides across various regions.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Cherryville, PA, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step is streamlined to ensure ease of use while safeguarding privacy, addressing any concerns individuals might have about the testing procedure.

With swift and discreet processes, Cherryville, PA's hair follicle testing ensures that clients experience minimal fuss and worry. By maintaining confidentiality and simplifying procedures, we ensure that every participant feels at ease throughout their testing journey.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Cherryville, PA, we combine affordable pricing with fast turnaround times for our hair follicle testing services. This balance guarantees excellent value, offering peace of mind to companies of all sizes without breaking the bank, and ensuring they receive timely, reliable test results.

Our competitive pricing policies in Cherryville, PA ensure that quality hair follicle testing remains accessible. Quick result delivery without compromising accuracy accentuates the value we offer, making our services highly appealing to budget-conscious clients seeking rapid, accurate solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Cherryville, PA, hair follicle drug tests set the standard with their accuracy and rapid results. These tests precisely identify drug use, offering reliable data for decision-making. This precision ensures that test results reflect true substance consumption, making them a preferred choice among employers and professionals seeking fast, dependable results.

The swift nature of hair follicle testing streamlines the process in Cherryville, PA. From sample collection to analysis, the methodology is designed for efficiency without compromising accuracy. Substances, even those used months earlier, are detected, making this method not only speedy but unrivaled in its thoroughness.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Cherryville, PA can achieve compliance and peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle testing. This method aligns with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks while enhancing safety. Consequently, implementing hair testing safeguards company interests and fortifies a drug-free work environment.

Adopting hair follicle testing in Cherryville, PA, rightfully assures compliance with regulatory standards. Its accuracy and reliability reduce potential disputes, promoting workplace harmony. Employers benefit from the peace of mind that comes from maintaining a safe, compliant, and respectable work setting.

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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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