Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Clark, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair evaluations have emerged as an effective mechanism for uncovering alcohol and drug consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal substance usage for a duration of up to 90 days. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of approximately 200 strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for testing. For assessments like EtG, extensions, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be scant, a similar volume of body hair is permissible. When referencing head hair, we imply only scalp hair. Conversely, body hair pertains to all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary phases in the laboratory handling of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a specimen into a lab’s system. It encompasses confirming the sample’s integrity in terms of sealing and shipping, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not available via an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial rapid appraisal for drug presence. Although Screening efficiently eliminates drug presence in most samples, a positive outcome requires Verification to meet legal standards. Any samples with preliminary positive results in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmatory test.

When a sample yields a presumptively positive result in Screening, additional hair from the existing specimen is collected and readied for Extraction. At this phase, the extraction of drugs from hair occurs at a notably lower concentration compared to alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening a more intricate procedure.

Verification of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with preliminary positive outcomes undergo a cleaning process before Verification as required. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Verification, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug evaluations:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug evaluations can uncover drug use for a span of up to 90 days, unlike urine evaluations which have a shorter detection timeframe.
• Resistance to deception: Cheating a hair drug evaluation is highly challenging, enhancing the precision of results.
• Provides usage pattern data: It furnishes a history of drug consumption over time, beyond just recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: It requires about 5-7 days for substances to become apparent in hair.
• Cost: Hair drug evaluations tend to cost more than other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth differences may impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Though frequently termed as "hair follicle tests," the evaluation actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Clark, PA surpasses urine testing through superior detection accuracy and reliability. Long-term drug use can be identified, offering a more comprehensive view compared to traditional urine tests.

Employers benefit from hair tests as they provide a clear indication of an employee’s substance habits, unlike urine tests which offer a limited detection window.

Extended Detection Window

In Clark, PA, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows a thorough insight into an individual's drug usage history, vital for employers evaluating potential hires.

Unlike other methods, hair testing captures a broader timeline, offering businesses a detailed understanding of an applicant’s or employee's substance use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Clark, PA offer a tamper-resistant testing method that significantly reduces chances of sample adulteration. Results obtained through these tests remain reliable and unquestionable.

By choosing hair testing, companies ensure that the possibility of manipulating test outcomes is minimized, supporting fair evaluation.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience is key with Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide and local centers in Clark, PA. Accessible and hassle-free services ensure testing is quick and easy for everyone involved.

Our testing centers offer flexibility and readiness, so individuals and corporations can efficiently access our services without delays.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Clark, PA is simple and confidential. From ordering a test to receiving results, every step is designed to protect personal privacy and maintain ease of use.

This discreet process assures individuals that their test is conducted with the utmost respect for confidentiality, while remaining straightforward.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Clark, PA, Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing and quick turnaround times. This provides exceptional value for businesses of any size, fostering a safe and productive work environment.

Our competitive rates align with our rapid results, ensuring companies receive timely information without financial strain.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Clark, PA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering results with unmatched precision and speed. Accurate detection of substance use is ensured, making them a top choice for employers and professionals.

The efficiency of hair testing in detecting substances almost guarantees reliable results. This accuracy is crucial for businesses seeking reliable test outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Clark, PA find peace of mind and compliance assurance with hair follicle testing. It aligns with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety standards.

Confirming adherence to these policies protects companies from potential legal challenges, providing employers with a sense of security.

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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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