Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Kempton, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now widely regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a long-term history of substances like alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. Collecting hair close to the scalp offers up to a 3-month detection window for drug and alcohol presence. Hair is not only easy to collect but also challenging to adulterate and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp is suitable for acquiring 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and verification. For tests involving EtG, additional substances, and/or over 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferable. It's advisable to gauge the specimen weight using a jeweler’s scale. When scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the first stage where the sample is processed into the laboratory's system, ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not provided by an electronic custody chain system.

Screening entails an initial rapid examination for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical method for dismissing drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally admissible. Any samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening demand further confirmation.

Suppose a sample tests positive in Screening; additional hair is then extracted from the primary sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drug extraction from hair occurs at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis one of the most challenging methodologies.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and maintains ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests offer detection for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests cover shorter periods.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely difficult, thus enhancing result accuracy.
• Supplies historical insight: It reveals a pattern of drug usage over time, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Insensitive to recent use: It takes around 5-7 days for substances to be traceable in hair.
• Increased cost: Hair drug tests often come with a higher price tag than alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Despite common reference as "hair follicle tests," the analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Kempton, PA, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over conventional urine tests. Hair tests provide superior accuracy, as they can detect substances far beyond the capacity of a urine test. Their unparalleled precision helps employers maintain a robust evaluation system.

The reliability of hair testing surpasses urine tests significantly. While urine samples offer a limited detection window, hair testing in Kempton, PA, ensures comprehensive insights into an individual's substance use history, enhancing assessment credibility.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Kempton, PA, is a game-changer for employers. Capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days, it offers a thorough overview of an individual's substance history, aiding employers in making informed, long-term decisions.

Hair follicle tests provide an extensive detection period, making them ideal for obtaining a clear picture of an applicant's habits. In Kempton, PA, this extended window enhances the reliability of background checks and safeguarding company interests against potential liability.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

With an emphasis on security, hair follicle testing in Kempton, PA, minimizes the risk of tampering. The collection method is observed and controlled, providing tamper-resistant results that employers can trust.

Choosing hair follicle tests ensures the authenticity of test outcomes. Unlike more easily manipulated tests, the robustness of hair analysis mitigates the risk of adulteration, giving Kempton, PA employers confidence in the integrity of the results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our testing services are available nationwide, including in Kempton, PA, providing convenience and accessibility. The widespread presence of our centers ensures seamless access for employers and individuals seeking reliable testing solutions.

With local centers in Kempton, PA, acquiring drug testing services is hassle-free. The network of facilities guarantees efficiency and ease, eliminating travel concerns and simplifying the entire process for the community.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Kempton, PA, is both straightforward and confidential, designed to respect participants' privacy at every step. Such simplicity ensures comfort and discretion throughout the testing experience.

Ordering, undertaking, and receiving test results is a breeze in Kempton, PA. The process prioritizes user-friendliness, reducing complexities and enhancing confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns effectively.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Kempton, PA, our competitive pricing on hair follicle tests ensures excellent value, complemented by fast turnaround times. Companies of all sizes can benefit from affordable testing options that do not compromise on quality.

Fast service and cost-effectiveness define our offerings. Companies in Kempton, PA, can enjoy rapid and budget-friendly hair testing solutions, reinforcing corporate responsibilities without financial strain.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Experience the remarkable accuracy and reliability of hair follicle drug tests in Kempton, PA. These tests not only deliver swift results but also ensure precise detection of various substances. Their ability to accurately uncover drug use makes them indispensable for employers seeking trustworthy outcomes.

Hair follicle tests are synonymous with speed and precision. In Kempton, PA, they stand out by offering efficient and error-free substance detection, ensuring employers can make informed decisions swiftly, without compromising quality.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing plays a pivotal role in compliance for employers in Kempton, PA. By adhering to drug-free workplace policies, companies can reduce legal liabilities and enhance safety within the workplace.

Ultimately, using hair follicle tests allows Kempton, PA businesses to maintain a compliant and secure work environment, providing peace of mind with each test. Such tests fortify efforts against drug misuse, ensuring sustained adherence to workplace policies.

Drug Testing Near Kempton, PA

Fogelsville, PA

Topton, PA

Lyons, PA

Deer Lake, PA

Shoemakersville, PA

McKeansburg, PA

Port Clinton, PA

West Hamburg, PA

Kutztown University, PA

Kutztown, PA

New Ringgold, PA

Virginville, PA

Edenburg, PA

New Tripoli, PA

Lenhartsville, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews