Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Emigsville, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair is collected close to the scalp, it can provide up to a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch portion of about 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil's size) close to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is preferred. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary phases involved in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial entry of a sample into a lab's system. This step involves verifying that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening is a preliminary rapid check for illicit drugs. While Screening is an inexpensive option to rule out drug use for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening need a further confirmation.

If a sample returns presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair screening one of the most challenging methodologies.

Confirmation of positive screening results is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive result undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests reveal drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection period.
• Challenging to cheat: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely difficult, ensuring more reliable results.
• Shows historical drug use: It presents a use pattern over time, not just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent use: Approximately 5-7 days are required before drugs are detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are often costlier than other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Variables like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests", the actual test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When considering drug testing options in Emigsville, PA, hair follicle testing stands out over traditional urine tests. While urine tests offer limited detection windows, hair follicle tests provide extended detection times of up to 90 days. Their higher accuracy and reliability ensure fewer false negatives. This makes hair testing an ideal choice for employers committed to maintaining strict drug-free workplace policies and compliance.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Emigsville, PA, boasts a remarkable extended detection window, reaching back up to 90 days. This capability offers employers a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history, surpassing the shorter frames of other test methods. It enables employers to discern long-term patterns, ensuring a thorough and informed decision-making process regarding potential hires or existing employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing in Emigsville, PA, is its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other methods, this testing significantly mitigates the risks of sample adulteration or substitution. The results obtained are highly reliable and virtually unchallengeable, providing security and assurance to employers enforcing strict drug-free workplace policies.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With nationwide testing centers and local facilities available in Emigsville, PA, accessing our services is both easy and convenient. Our extensive network ensures that testing services are readily accessible, allowing for a quick and hassle-free process for clients. This widespread reach guarantees that no matter your location, reliable testing is just a short journey away, providing optimal convenience.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Emigsville, PA, the process of hair follicle testing is designed for ease and confidentiality. The simple process involves straightforward scheduling, transparent testing procedures, and secure result retrieval. Clients can trust in the protection of their privacy throughout, with safeguards in place to ensure confidentiality, offering peace of mind to all participants.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our services in Emigsville, PA, boast affordable pricing and quick turnaround times, offering unmatched value to businesses of all sizes. Companies can rely on our cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or speed. With efficient processing, swiftly delivered results, and competitive pricing, we provide a service that enhances workplace safety while respecting budgets.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Emigsville, PA, trust in the speed and precision of hair follicle tests. Fast assessments ensure rapid results, granting peace of mind. Accuracy is unparalleled, as these tests detect a broad spectrum of substances with high precision. With their reliable outcomes, businesses can confidently uphold workplace standards and safety, fostering a secure and drug-free environment for all employees.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Emigsville, PA, benefit from hair follicle testing's ability to ensure compliance with drug-free policies. This method helps to reduce legal risks and contribute to a safer workplace environment. For employers striving for peace of mind, hair testing offers a dependable solution, helping them abide by regulatory standards while maintaining employee safety and integrity.

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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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