Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Hyndman, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of its hair as they develop. When taken near the scalp, a hair sample can offer a detection span of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 hairs (equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample volume for both screening and validation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, gathering 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. The term body hair covers all other forms of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The procedure for processing a drug test outcome in a lab is divided into four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This process verifies that the sample is correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data input not included in an electronic chain of custody protocol.

Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Though Screening provides a budget-friendly way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally valid. Presumptive positives in Screening need additional verification.

In cases where a sample is preliminarily positive during Screening, extra hair is collected from the original sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower density than other methods (for instance, urine or saliva), making hair drug screening a particularly challenging technique.

Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptively positive are cleansed before undergoing confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the whole laboratory workflow is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug assays can identify drug use for as many as 90 days, whereas urine tests have a more limited detection timeframe.
• Hard to deceive: Tampering with a hair drug test is quite challenging, ensuring higher accuracy.
• Yields historical insights: It showcases a timeline of drug consumption over a duration, beyond just recent use.

Limitations:

• Lacks detection of recent consumption: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug assays tend to be pricier than alternative testing techniques.
• Result variability: Influences such as hair pigmentation and individual differences in hair growth may alter the levels of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although frequently mentioned as "hair follicle tests", these tests assess the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the skin

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Hyndman, PA, provides superior detection compared to traditional urine tests. Its higher accuracy ensures reliable substance identification, offering an edge over other methods.

The advanced detection capability of hair tests allows for comprehensive analysis. Employers appreciate its reliability, as it practically eliminates the risk of cheating, giving confidence in the results obtained.

Extended Detection Window

In Hyndman, PA, hair follicle testing offers a longer detection period of up to 90 days. This provides employers with a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, exceeding traditional testing methods.

The extended window of detection ensures that past drug use is thoroughly assessed. Employers benefit from a detailed and reliable understanding of an individual’s substance use over time.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests reduce tampering risks significantly in Hyndman, PA. The test's integrity ensures that results remain reliable and unquestioned, making it a preferred choice for secure drug screening.

This testing method stands as a robust deterrent against adulteration attempts. Employers gain confidence, knowing that sample integrity is not compromised, resulting in true, dependable outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Hyndman, PA, enjoy the convenience of our nationwide drug testing centers. With local availability, accessing our services becomes swift and hassle-free for testing needs.

Our numerous centers provide quick service access, eliminating the burdens of logistical challenges. This convenience ensures straightforward testing processes for individuals and businesses alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Hyndman, PA, our hair testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to result receipt, we prioritize privacy, making the procedure accessible while ensuring discretion at every step.

The focus on confidentiality ensures peace of mind for individuals and employers, promoting a comfortable testing experience. The process remains straightforward, guaranteeing ease in obtaining test results.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable pricing and fast turnaround characterize our services in Hyndman, PA. We offer competitive rates, ensuring companies of all sizes receive excellent value and timely results.

Quick result delivery and cost-effective options enhance our appeal. Businesses benefit from efficient, budget-friendly testing, making us a preferred partner for drug screening needs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Hyndman, PA, hair follicle tests offer unmatched precision and speed. Their accurate detection capabilities ensure quick and reliable identification of substance use, making them a preferred choice for many seeking fast results.

These tests deliver swift and dependable results, guiding employers in making informed decisions. Their high accuracy level guarantees that substance presence is detected efficiently, saving time and providing clarity.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Hyndman, PA, find peace using hair follicle tests for compliance and safety assurance. This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing security.

The use of hair tests ensures policy compliance, fostering a safer work environment. It helps organizations maintain integrity by reliably enforcing zero-tolerance drug policies.

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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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