Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Morton, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method to detect drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within its growing strands. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use over a period of roughly three months. It's easy to obtain, hard to tamper with, and simple to send.

A 1.5-inch cut consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the perfect quantity for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, extras, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen size of 150mg is advised. It's best to measure this specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes introducing a sample into a lab's system. It ensures the sample is adequately sealed and transported, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes remaining data logging not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening performs a preliminary check for drug abuse. Although cost-effective for excluding drug presence in most samples, a positive finding must be confirmed for legal proceedings. Presumptive positives from Screening require subsequent confirmation.

For samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for further processing. Drugs are then extracted from hair at a significantly lower level than in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), emphasizing the complexity of hair drug analysis.

Confirmation of a positive test is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes pre-confirmation washing as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug tests trace drug use for up to 90 days, unlike the shorter window in urine tests.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is considerably challenging, ensuring more reliable outcomes.
• Offers timeline data: It provides insight into drug use patterns over time, instead of just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Typically, hair drug tests are costlier than other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth differences may impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is done on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Morton, PA recognizes the superiority of hair follicle tests over traditional urine screenings. While urine tests are useful, hair tests offer a broader detection window, identifying drug use over a longer period. Their reliability stands unmatched, with improved detection capability and fewer false negatives, thus ensuring that drug consumption is accurately tracked over weeks and even months.

The hair follicle testing method enhances precision and delivers undeniable accuracy in drug detection, making it the method of choice for strict policies. The broad detection window extends to about 90 days, providing an unparalleled overview of an individual's substance use patterns, vastly outpacing the shorter span of urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Morton, PA offers an extended detection period that effectively covers up to 90 days. This feature allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of their applicants or employees' substance habits, assisting in making informed decisions. By capturing a more extended history, hair analysis provides a broader picture, thereby assisting in maintaining workplace safety and compliance objectives.

Comprehensive Screening: This 90-day assessment period enables the identification of persistent substance use patterns. Such a lengthy window proves invaluable when assessing long-term substance behavior and ensures that past consumption is consistently monitored for workplace safety.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Morton, PA, hair follicle testing is recognized for its tamper-resistant attributes. This method significantly reduces the chances of sample adulteration, making it a trusted choice for accurate and reliable results every time. Compared to other methods, hair testing minimizes opportunities for deception, solidifying its reputation as a robust process for drug detection.

By relying on hair follicle drug tests, organizations can assure the integrity of their screening processes. The difficulty in altering or adulterating samples guarantees trustworthy outcomes, providing assurance for both the administrators and participants involved in the drug testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Morton, PA, the convenience of having our drug testing services is enhanced by nationwide locations, including local facilities. These centers make accessing tests easy and hassle-free, ensuring prompt service whether you're in urban or rural areas. Having an extensive network guarantees that services are available when needed, making test-taking straightforward for everyone.

Convenience: Our strategically located centers nationwide enable quick services, promoting efficiency in the testing process. It facilitates an easy procedure for individuals, reducing the time required for traveling and providing accessible testing solutions for all.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our hair follicle testing process in Morton, PA is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From the moment you order your test to receiving the results, each step prioritizes your privacy, with an easy-to-navigate system. Our streamlined procedures ensure straightforward access to services while maintaining the confidentiality of all personal and sensitive information.

The process includes simple steps that facilitate a smooth and discreet experience from start to finish. With a focus on privacy, concerns regarding data security are addressed, highlighting our commitment to client confidentiality and ease of use.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering affordable pricing and quick turnaround, our hair follicle drug testing services in Morton, PA provide excellent value. Competitive rates ensure that companies of all sizes can benefit from reliable testing without straining budgets, coupled with fast processing times for quick result delivery. This combination promotes both fiscal responsibility and efficiency within the workplace.

Our pricing structures stand competitive, offering services that meet the needs of businesses while ensuring quality. Fast turnaround times ensure no delays in receiving critical information, supporting timely decision-making and maintaining the integrity of workplace policies.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Morton, PA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their remarkable precision in substance detection. These tests swiftly identify drug use, ensuring high levels of accuracy. When time is of the essence, hair tests are preferred for their reliability, delivering fast results that clients can trust, thus facilitating timely decision-making and promoting a safe, responsible environment.

Quick Processing: The cutting-edge nature of these tests supports fast and accurate detection, providing results that employers and other relevant parties can readily depend on. Their advanced technology ensures precision, allowing decision-makers to be confident in the integrity of the process.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Morton, PA find peace of mind with hair follicle drug tests, ensuring a drug-free workplace. This method aligns with workplace compliance standards, ensuring that all tested individuals adhere to zero-tolerance policies regarding drug use. By engaging in such testing, companies mitigate legal risks, bolster safety, and foster a secure work environment, thus maintaining compliance with all relevant drug policies.

Workplace Safety: Integrating hair follicle testing instills a culture of responsibility and adherence to set norms, enhancing workplace safety. It plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the premises from the influence of drugs, thus ensuring harmonious operations.

Drug Testing Near Morton, PA

Glenolden, PA

Clifton Heights, PA

Pine Ridge, PA

Woodlyn, PA

Darby Township, PA

Ridley Park, PA

Norwood, PA

Prospect Park, PA

Folsom, PA

Springfield, PA

Swarthmore, 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