Hair Follicle Drug Testing - East Mckeesport, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands. Collected close to the scalp, it offers roughly a 3-month detection period for these substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient for shipping.

A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields about 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent volume of body hair can be gathered. When referencing head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processes a drug test result through four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the first step where a sample is logged into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entry not available via an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial rapid check for substance abuse. Screening is an affordable method to identify drug use in most samples; however, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal validity. Samples that show a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

If a sample is presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening.

Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Every presumptive positive sample is washed prior to confirmation when necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug use up to 90 days, compared to urine tests with shorter detection spans.
• Hard to manipulate: Tampering with hair drug tests is extremely challenging, ensuring more reliable outcomes.
• Historical insight: It reveals a pattern of drug use over time, rather than only recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically costlier than other testing techniques.
• Varied outcomes: Elements like hair color and growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: While often labeled "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the underlying follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in East McKeesport, PA

Hair tests surpass traditional urine tests in several ways.

• They provide extensive detection windows, highlighting usage up to 90 days prior.
• Follicle tests are less prone to tampering compared to urine samples.
• Employers value the accuracy and dependability of hair-based drug screening methods.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in East McKeesport, PA

Hair follicle testing offers an unprecedented window for drug detection.

• Unlike urine tests, hair samples reveal drug use up to 90 days back.
• This gives a holistic view of an individual's long-term substance habits.
• Employers benefit from this comprehensive insight for informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in East McKeesport, PA

Hair follicle tests are highly resistant to adulteration.

• They provide irrefutable results due to secure sample collection.
• The integrity of hair samples reduces risks of false readings.
• This method ensures reliability, deterring any cheating attempts.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in East McKeesport, PA

Access our widespread testing centers effortlessly.

• Testing locations are available across the nation for convenience.
• Local centers in East McKeesport guarantee swift and efficient service.
• Ensuring a hassle-free experience is our commitment to you.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in East McKeesport, PA

Our process is designed to be straightforward and private.

• Ordering tests is easy, maintaining absolute confidentiality.
• Discrete sample collection respects your privacy.
• Receive results securely, ensuring peace of mind throughout the process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in East McKeesport, PA

Competitive pricing is paired with rapid processing.

• We offer exceptional value with our cost-effective solutions.
• Quick turnaround times mean less waiting and faster outcomes.
• Benefit from quality service without compromise on cost.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in East McKeesport, PA

Experience the advantage of rapid results with hair follicle drug testing.

• Our advanced methods ensure swift and precise detection of substance abuse.
• Hair testing is lauded for its pinpoint accuracy, ensuring reliability every time.
• The technology behind follicle testing minimizes errors, giving you clear results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in East McKeesport, PA

Implement hair follicle testing for a secure workplace.

• Employers can align with drug-free policies effectively.
• Lowered legal risks and heightened safety become attainable.
• Gain peace of mind with our dependable and compliant testing solutions.

Drug Testing Near East Mckeesport, PA

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Turtle Creek, PA

Wall, PA

Wilmerding, PA

Versailles, PA

North Versailles, 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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