Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lewis Run, PA

What it is, How it works

The use of hair testing has become recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When acquired near the scalp, hair can reveal up to an estimated 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to send.

A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 strands of hair (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, produces 100mg of hair, which is the optimum quantity for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair indicate only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The core steps in the lab processing of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory's system. This encompasses confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data input missing from a digital chain of custody system.

Screening constitutes an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening provides a cost-efficient means to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen needs verification to be court-admissible. Samples that screen presumptively positive require a subsequent confirmation.

If a sample screens presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations in comparison to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex practice to execute.

Any positive Screening outcome undergoes Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleaned prior to Confirmation when necessary. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests which provide a shorter detection span.
• Hard to evade: Evading a hair drug test is significantly challenging, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Delivers historical insight: It shows patterns of drug use over time rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: It requires approximately 5-7 days for drugs to be traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally entail greater costs compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Inconsistent results: Variables such as hair color and personal variations in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lewis Run, PA

Hair follicle testing offers superior benefits over traditional urine tests. In Lewis Run, PA, this testing method ensures a higher detection accuracy by uncovering drug use patterns over a longer timeframe. It's highly reliable for identifying long-term substance issues, making it the preferred choice for employers and professionals seeking comprehensive substance use assessment.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Lewis Run, PA

Hair follicle tests detect drug use over an impressive period of up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's substance history. In Lewis Run, PA, employers can utilize this extended detection window for a thorough review of current or prospective employees' drug-use behaviors, giving them a clearer picture of reliability and safety.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lewis Run, PA

In Lewis Run, PA, hair follicle tests are renowned for their robust resistance to tampering. This method curtails the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results are reliable and irrefutable. Both employers and individuals can trust the accuracy and authenticity of every test, cementing its status as an essential tool for substance use verification.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lewis Run, PA

Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience with its vast network of testing centers across the nation, including local sites in Lewis Run, PA. This widespread access makes testing services quick and hassle-free, offering practicality and ease for individuals and employers looking for seamless drug testing experiences nationwide.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Lewis Run, PA

From ordering through to receiving results, the process of hair follicle testing in Lewis Run, PA is straightforward and confidential. This method respects privacy while maintaining ease of use, making it ideal for those concerned about discretion. Individuals can confidently undertake testing without compromising personal information.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lewis Run, PA

Accredited Drug Testing offers cost-effective pricing structures with quick turnaround times in Lewis Run, PA. Businesses of all sizes benefit from the excellent value provided by these services, allowing them to make well-informed decisions swiftly. The combination of affordability and efficiency ensures incomparable peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lewis Run, PA

In Lewis Run, the precision of hair follicle drug tests stands out due to their ability to accurately identify substance use. The rapid results provided by these tests enable timely decision-making for employers and professionals. Thanks to their high accuracy, people have confidence in these tests, which helps ensure reliable outcomes and swift assessments.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lewis Run, PA

By employing hair follicle tests, employers in Lewis Run, PA, bolster their compliance with drug-free policies. This testing method offers peace of mind, reducing the threat of legal complications and enhancing workplace safety. Organizations can maintain a secure and productive environment, reassured by the robust results hair follicle testing delivers.

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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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