Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Nanty Glo, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair provides an extended chronological record of alcohol and drug usage by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strands. When collected proximate to the scalp, hair can potentially offer a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (resembling the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. When head hair is mentioned, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome entails four fundamental steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into a lab's system. This step includes validating the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any needed data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves an initial brief assessment for drugs of misuse. While Screening is an affordable means to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples that indicate a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

For samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most complex methodology to apply.

Positive Screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. Each step from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection period.
• Difficulty to cheat: It is extremely challenging to deceive a hair drug test, leading to more accurate results.
• Provides historical data: It offers insights into the pattern of drug use over time, beyond just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs take approximately 5-7 days to be detectable in hair.
• Cost: Generally, hair drug tests are more costly compared to other drug testing methods.
• Variations in results: Variables such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can impact the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Nanty Glo, PA, hair follicle drug testing prevails over urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities and reliability. This method surpasses traditional urine tests by offering extended detection periods and accuracy, minimizing the chance of manipulation. Hair testing not only confirms substance use confidently but also provides a broader overview of an individual's drug history.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Nanty Glo, PA, provides a longer detection window for drug use, extending up to 90 days. This advantage allows employers an in-depth view of an individual's substance use history, aiding in making informed decisions. Hair testing assists in capturing a comprehensive picture compared to shorter detection periods of other testing methods.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Nanty Glo, PA, hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant approach to drug screening, crucial in providing indisputable results. This method reduces the risk of sample adulteration significantly, thus assuring authenticity and reliability. The strict collection protocols inherent in hair testing deter individuals from manipulating samples, ensuring trustworthy outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous nationwide centers, including Nanty Glo, PA, accessing hair testing services is convenient and straightforward. The local and national coverage allows for quick and hassle-free testing experiences. Test takers enjoy the flexibility of choosing locations that best suit their needs, ensuring a seamless and efficient process.

Simple, Confidential Process

Nanty Glo, PA, promotes a straightforward and confidential hair testing process. From scheduling to obtaining results, the entire procedure is designed with privacy and simplicity in mind. Test takers are assured an uncomplicated experience, easing concerns about confidentiality and making the process accessible to everyone.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Nanty Glo, PA, offers competitive pricing and expedited turnaround times for hair follicle tests, benefitting businesses of all sizes. The combination of affordability and swift results provides exceptional value, catering to companies seeking effective drug testing solutions. Our services enhance both corporate budget and policy compliance needs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and efficiency of hair follicle drug testing are noteworthy in Nanty Glo, PA. This methodology provides high levels of accuracy in determining substance use due to its comprehensive analysis process. The quick turnaround time of results ensures timely insights, adding value to employers and individuals seeking reliable testing solutions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Nanty Glo, PA, businesses benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating potential legal issues while enhancing safety. Utilizing this method not only ensures compliance but also fosters a secure environment. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are deploying robust testing practices.

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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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