Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Northampton, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust mechanism for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair maintains a historical record of substance usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing strand. When taken near the scalp, this method can provide an insight into alcohol and drug consumption for nearly a three-month period. The collection of hair is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.

An ideal sample for analysis, comprising 1.5 inches and about 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, results in 100mg - suitable for both screening and confirmation. For specific tests like EtG, extensions, or more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar mass of body hair may be taken. By 'head hair', we mean scalp hair exclusively. 'Body hair' indicates all other hair types including facial and axillary.

Process Overview

The drug test procedure in the lab involves these four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. It includes confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, generating an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data inputs that are absent from an electronic custody chain system.

Screening entails a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient method for excluding drug use in the majority of instances, results showing a positive screen need confirmation for court validity. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

For samples marked as presumptively positive during Screening, a greater portion of the original sample is used for Extraction. This step extracts drugs from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluids), making hair drug analysis particularly challenging.

Using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS, the Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed. Before the confirmation process, all presumed positive samples undergo a washing as needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can reflect drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection time.
• Hard to deceive: The difficulty in cheating a hair drug test enhances result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: Patterns of drug usage over time are visible, beyond just recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: There’s a delay of approximately 5-7 days before drugs are detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than other testing methods.
• Result variations: Differences in hair color and personal hair growth rate can alter drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination is conducted on the hair strand, not on the follicle located beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Northampton, PA, the advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests are unmistakable. Hair tests provide a more extensive detection period and are considered more reliable in identifying long-term drug use. This methodology offers accuracy and comprehensiveness in detection that surpasses urine tests, especially for historical drug usage.

Employers seeking to ensure a drug-free workplace find hair testing an invaluable tool. In contrast to urine testing, hair tests cover a broader timeframe, unveiling substance use that might remain undetected in other methods, fortifying workplace safety and policy adherence.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Northampton, PA, unveils drug use over an extensive duration, up to 90 days. This extended detection period grants employers a thorough assessment of an individual's substance use history, offering invaluable insights. It's a testament to its efficacy in providing a comprehensive overview versus traditional testing methods.

The significant time range that hair follicle tests cover allows for a deeper understanding of an applicant or employee's drug usage. It provides a detailed substance history that can significantly aid in making informed decisions about hiring and employee retention.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Northampton, PA, hair follicle tests are renowned for their tamper-resistant nature. This testing method significantly diminishes any likelihood of sample adulteration, thereby providing unquestionable outcomes. It assures employers and concerned parties of the sample's integrity and the results' authenticity.

The inability to easily manipulate or alter samples in hair testing is a crucial advantage. This characteristic fosters confidence in the results obtained, ensuring decisions based on them are well-informed and reliable. It's a robust solution in maintaining the sanctity of the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Northampton, PA, our extensive network of testing locations streamlines the process, making access to services both quick and effortless. With numerous nationwide centers, individuals and entities have the convenience of undergoing hair follicle drug testing without the hassle, ensuring timely and efficient service.

The widespread availability of testing centers is a boon for those needing urgent and dependable drug screening. This accessibility ensures that testing remains within easy reach, facilitating a smoother, more user-friendly experience.

Simple, Confidential Process

Northampton, PA residents can benefit from the straightforward and private process of hair follicle drug testing. The steps involved, from scheduling to receiving results, are designed to ensure confidentiality, addressing any concerns related to privacy and ease of access.

Efforts have been made to simplify the testing procedure, prioritizing an individual's confidentiality while maintaining efficient service delivery. This commitment to privacy reassures clients of the discreet handling of their information every step of the way.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Northampton, PA, our competitive pricing for hair follicle drug tests combined with rapid result turnaround offers considerable value. Companies can benefit from our affordable rates while ensuring quick results without compromising on quality or reliability.

By offering cost-effective solutions and swift response times, we cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring they gain quality insights without straining their budgets. This efficiency and affordability strengthen our appeal to diverse clients.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Northampton, PA, hair follicle drug tests are valued for their swift and precise outcomes. The accuracy in identifying substance use ensures that both employers and individuals can trust in the results provided. This method not only delivers results faster than many other testing techniques but also guarantees high reliability in its findings.

The efficacy of hair testing is evident in its ability to render dependable results rapidly. This speed and accuracy are unparalleled, making it a preferred choice for those requiring immediate insights into drug use. As a reliable option, it stands out in providing transparency and confidence.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Implementing hair follicle testing in Northampton, PA, ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, bringing about substantial peace of mind. This method minimizes legal complications and bolsters workplace safety, establishing a secure environment for all employees.

Employers can rest assured knowing that hair testing aligns with compliance requisites, mitigating risks associated with drug use in the workplace. This preserves both the operational integrity and enhances the overall safety and wellness of the organizational environment.

Drug Testing Near Northampton, PA

Bath, PA

Hokendauqua, PA

Allentown, PA

Old Orchard, PA

DeSales University, PA

North Catasauqua, PA

Catasauqua, PA

Fullerton, PA

Salisbury, PA

Hellertown, PA

Fountain Hill, PA

Freemansburg, PA

Bethlehem, 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