Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Jerome, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When cut near the scalp, hair can present up to a 3-month window for tracing substance and alcohol consumption. The method of hair collection is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and makes transportation hassle-free.

A 1.5-inch lock of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, considered the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, extended panels, or panels exceeding 10, a recommendation of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is absent, the same quantity of body hair may be gathered. When we mention scalp hair, we are specifically addressing head hair. Body hair encompasses all other forms of hair (such as facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

The lab procedure for processing drug test outcomes is chiefly divided into four phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning marks the start of integrating a sample into the lab's framework. This stage covers checking the seal and correct delivery of the sample, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and managing any further data collection not captured through an electronic chain of custody protocol.

Screening is a preliminary analysis to check for substance abuse. Though cost-effective to eliminate substance use in many samples, a positive result in Screening requires verification for court validity. Samples suggesting positivity in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

Should a sample appear positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for preparation toward Extraction. In this phase, substances are drawn from hair at diminished concentrations compared to alternative methods (like urine or saliva), underscoring the challenge of conducting hair drug testing.

Verification of any positive findings from screening is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All suspect positive samples undergo washing before undergoing confirmation as required. Every step from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the quality standard accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection window: Hair drug testing can uncover substance use for as long as 90 days, contrary to urine tests which detect for a shorter timeframe.
• Challenging to falsify: Attempts to deceive a hair drug test are rare, ensuring accuracy in results.
• Archives historical usage: It can reveal a pattern of substance use across time, and not just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Approximately 5-7 days are needed before substances are traceable in hair.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug testing incurs higher costs compared to other testing formats.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color or individual hair growth can alter drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test itself analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Jerome, PA

When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests, one finds markedly better detection accuracy with the former. Hair testing captures substance intake over longer periods, unlike urine tests that prioritize recent use.

• Superior Detection: Detects substance use over months.
• Reliability: Less prone to manipulation.
• Analysis Precision: Provides a more consistent history of drug use.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Jerome, PA

Hair follicle tests are renowned for their ability to identify drug use over a substantial period, up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers in Jerome, PA, to access an in-depth view of an employee's substance intake over months.
With this longer detection period, companies can assess applicants' or employees' historical drug habits, enabling better-informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Jerome, PA

The integrity of hair follicle tests is one of their standout features. These tests significantly minimize the chance of sample tampering, offering trustworthy outcomes.
Individuals and businesses can confidently rely on this type of testing to maintain a high standard of credibility, knowing it is resistant to common adulteration methods deployed in urine testing.

Such tests ensure that the results reflect genuine substance use, safeguarding against manipulation attempts.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Jerome, PA

With numerous testing centers available across the nation, including Jerome, PA, accessing hair follicle testing couldn't be easier. Our locations ensure that services are quick, simple to reach, and stress-free for all clients.
This vast network of centers guarantees that whether near or far, clients have no trouble obtaining the necessary testing with ease.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Jerome, PA

The process of obtaining a hair follicle test is straightforward and maintains confidentiality throughout. Individuals in Jerome, PA, can be assured of privacy when ordering, taking the test, and retrieving results.
Our services focus on ease of use without compromising discretion, ensuring each step respects the client's privacy concerns and requirements.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Jerome, PA

Offering competitive pricing, we ensure that our hair follicle testing services provide excellent value for all businesses in Jerome, PA. Fast turnaround times mean companies receive results promptly, supporting efficient decision-making.
By delivering cost-effective and quick services, we strive to cater to the varied needs of organizations of all sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Jerome, PA

Hair follicle drug tests not only offer high-speed results but also accuracy in detecting substance use. They are unmatched in their precision, providing individuals and organizations with reliable outcomes in Jerome, PA.
With rapid processing times, these tests deliver precise results efficiently, ensuring that you get trustworthy information quickly.

These tests reduce the waiting time considerably by providing quick results, facilitating immediate decision-making for missions critical to many businesses.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Jerome, PA

Implementing hair follicle testing assures compliance with workplace drug policies, lowering legal liabilities for employers and fostering a safe work environment.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are adhering to best practices in maintaining drug-free workplaces, ensuring both safety and reduced risk of legal entanglements.

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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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