Hair Follicle Drug Testing - New Freedom, PA

What it is, How it works

The analysis of hair for drug and alcohol detection has gained recognition as an effective method. This approach provides a prolonged record of substance use, as biomarkers are encapsulated within the hair's fibers. When hair is cut close to the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use over a span of nearly three months. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.

A segment of 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for testing and validation. For analyses involving EtG, additional elements, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for accurate weighing. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar volume of body hair is a viable alternative. In this context, 'head hair' is defined as scalp hair exclusively, whereas 'body hair' encompasses other hair variants (such as facial and axillary hair).

Procedure Summary

The lab-based drug testing process entails these four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

The Accessioning phase includes entering a sample into the lab's database. This process checks the integrity of the sample’s seal and shipment, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as an initial, rapid assessment for substance abuse. While economical for negating drug presence in most cases, a positive result in Screening necessitates further confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positives from Screening proceed to secondary validation.

Upon obtaining a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is taken for the Extraction phase. Here, at significantly lower concentrations than other methods like urine or saliva, drugs are isolated from hair, explaining the complexity of hair drug screening.

The Confirmation step for any positive results in Screening utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, if required. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Benefits of hair drug tests:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, exceeding the shorter timeframe of urine tests.
• Challenging to deceive: The testing method significantly reduces the possibility of result manipulation.
• Provides chronological usage data: It allows evaluation of drug use trends over time, rather than just recent consumption.

Constraints:

• Unable to detect very recent use: Drugs generally become noticeable in hair only after 5-7 days.
• Expense: This type of testing is typically costlier than alternate drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and personal hair growth patterns can influence detected drug metabolite levels.

Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is frequently used, though the analysis is technically conducted on the hair strand itself, not on the follicle beneath the skin.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In New Freedom, PA, hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests in detecting substance use. Hair testing is known for its extended detection window, which spans up to 90 days, compared to much shorter durations for urine tests. This provides a more comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history, enhancing accuracy and reducing the risk of evasion.

The reliability of hair follicle testing is unmatched, with its decreased susceptibility to manipulation. It offers a certainty that urine tests often cannot match, especially in environments with zero-tolerance policies.

Extended Detection Window

The capacity of hair follicle testing to detect drug use over a long period, up to 90 days, is its standout feature. In New Freedom, PA, this extended detection window gives employers a detailed perspective on an individual's substance use, making it invaluable for comprehensive evaluations.

This long-lasting capture period is particularly advantageous for organizations looking to ensure drug-free workplaces. It provides an insightful review of substance patterns over a sizeable timeframe.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing in New Freedom, PA, is its resilience against tampering. Unlike other methods, hair tests are challenging to adulterate because samples are obtained directly from the individual without opportunities for interference, ensuring authenticity.

This tamper-resistant feature enhances the credibility of the results. Employers can trust the outcomes to be genuine and free from manipulation, leading to reliable conclusions about substance use.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing in New Freedom, PA, offers extensive accessibility through its nationwide center network. This ensures convenient testing services, allowing individuals to easily conduct tests without hassle, no matter their location.

Our local facilities guarantee that clients across New Freedom, PA, and beyond can quickly approach testing centers, reducing the challenge of obtaining necessary drug test results while maintaining top-tier service quality.

Simple, Confidential Process

In New Freedom, PA, the process of undergoing hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. Once an order for a test is placed, individuals can quickly visit a testing center and rest assured that their privacy is maintained.

The approach to collecting and reporting results respects client confidentiality while remaining efficient and easy to understand. The simplicity of the process is designed to alleviate concerns and ensure user-friendly access to reliable testing services.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing in New Freedom, PA, prides itself on competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. This combination ensures clients receive excellent value without compromising on the quality of drug testing services.

The affordability of hair follicle testing allows companies, large and small, to maintain drug-free work environments without financial strain. This value proposition is supported by swift processing, meaning employers have quicker access to results, enhancing operational efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle testing in New Freedom, PA, offers precise and swift detection of substances. Its high accuracy ensures that even minimal traces are detected reliably. The testing method delivers quick results, making it a favored option for those prioritizing efficiency in substance use detection.

The reliability of hair testing stands out in its ability to provide fast and trustworthy insights into an individual's substance history. This speed makes it an ideal choice for employers needing prompt answers without compromising on accuracy.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Implementing hair follicle testing in New Freedom, PA, aids in ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This testing method provides assurance to employers, reducing legal risks associated with drug use and fostering a safer, more secure working environment.

With hair testing, companies can confidently enforce zero-tolerance policies, knowing they are backed by reliable and comprehensive testing techniques. This peace of mind strengthens the overall safety culture within the organization.

Drug Testing Near New Freedom, PA

Jacobus, PA

Seven Valleys, PA

Loganville, PA

Winterstown, PA

Stewartstown, PA

Glen Rock, PA

Shrewsbury, PA

Railroad, PA

Freedom, 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