Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Dayton, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair stores a long-term record of alcohol and various drugs by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair is collected close to the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use for a period of around three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to adulterate, and simple to transport.

A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches, equating to about 200 strands or the thickness of a #2 pencil, taken close to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmatory purposes. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding ten, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair refers specifically to scalp hair. All other types of hair (such as facial or axillary) are considered body hair.

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome encompasses four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial intake of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This encompasses ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional information that the electronic chain of custody system may not provide.

Screening includes an initial rapid assessment for illicit drugs. Although Screening efficiently eliminates drug usage in most samples, positive results need validating to be legally admissible. Consequently, samples that preliminarily indicate positive results require further confirmation.

If a sample shows a preliminary positive result during the Screening stage, more hair is retrieved from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex method to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that show preliminary positive results are washed, as needed, before confirmation. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use spanning up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection span.
• Hard to deceive: The higher difficulty of tampering with a hair drug test enhances result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: It illustrates a pattern of drug use over time, instead of merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable within hair.
• Expense: Typically, hair drug tests incur higher costs compared to other testing methods.
• Results may vary: Factors such as hair color and differences in individual hair growth can influence the drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although often labeled "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Dayton, PA, the superiority of hair follicle testing over urine tests is evident in multiple ways. Hair tests are known for their remarkable detection accuracy, capable of uncovering drug use months after intake, unlike urine tests which have shorter detection windows.

• Accuracy: Hair tests offer clearer substance history views.
• Reliability: Reduce the risk of false negatives inherent in urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle tests in Dayton, PA, offer an extended detection window that far exceeds traditional methods. They can reveal substance use up to 90 days prior, offering a clearer history.

• Comprehensive view: Employers see a longer drug use pattern.
• Reliable history: Detects old substance use effectively.

Employers gain confidence with this broader detection period, ensuring informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Dayton, PA, hair follicle testing is known for its resistance to tampering. Due to its nature, it significantly reduces the chance of adulterated samples.

• Unquestionable results: Hair samples can't be easily altered.
• Reliable outcomes: Ensure honest and trustworthy results every time.

Experience a method that offers consistency and integrity, bolstering credibility.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing provides extensive network access with testing centers nationwide, including those in Dayton, PA, ensuring quick and convenient experiences.

• Nationwide reach: Effortless access to testing across various regions.
• Local availability: Easy access to services within Dayton, PA, streamlining the process.

Convenience is assured with our comprehensive location setup.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our testing process in Dayton, PA, is designed to be both simple and confidential, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Privacy is prioritized, addressing any concerns.

• Easy ordering: Streamlined process simplifies testing access.
• Confidential execution: Assuring a discreet testing experience.

Embrace a testing approach that values your privacy.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Dayton, PA, benefits from our affordable pricing and swift results in hair follicle testing. Our competitive pricing ensures value without compromising quality.

• Cost-effective: Enjoy excellent pricing without hidden fees.
• Fast turnaround: Timely results that comply with business needs.

Experience budget-friendly testing solutions without delays.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Dayton, PA, offer quick, precise results. Their exceptional accuracy in identifying substance use marks them as a preferred choice for many organizations seeking reliable testing outcomes.

• Precision: Hair testing provides accurate insights into an individual’s drug use habits.
• Speed: Results are processed efficiently, aiding rapid decision-making.

Opt for hair follicle testing, experience fast, dependable results in drug detection.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing in Dayton, PA, ensures peace of mind for employers by aligning with drug-free policies, mitigating potential legal risks, and improving safety in workplaces.

• Compliance: Adhere to company protocols effortlessly.
• Safety: Enhance the work environment’s security with reliable testing.

Embrace a method that supports policy enforcement effectively.

Drug Testing Near Dayton, PA

Creekside, PA

Elderton, PA

Marion Center, PA

Templeton, PA

Worthville, PA

Hawthorn, PA

South Bethlehem, PA

New Bethlehem, PA

Atwood, PA

Yatesboro, PA

Sagamore, PA

Plumville, PA

Rural Valley, PA

Timblin, PA

Smicksburg, 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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