Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Oakland, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has gained recognition as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can provide up to an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively tough to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample of around 200 hair strands, about the width of a #2 pencil, close to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, add-on tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four fundamental steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the primary handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to discount drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be legitimate in legal contexts. All samples that are potentially positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

If a sample is potentially positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests which have a shorter detection period.
• Difficult to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, enhancing the accuracy of the results.
• Offers historical information: It can illustrate a pattern of drug use over a duration, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent usage: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Even though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself assesses 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 Oakland, PA.
Hair testing stands superior to traditional urine testing by offering enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which cover a shorter timeframe, hair tests detect substance use over a longer period. This broader window often uncovers chronic use that might otherwise go unnoticed, offering a clearer picture for employers and relevant authorities.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Oakland, PA.
Hair follicle testing shines with its ability to detect drug use over an extensive period of up to 90 days, providing employers with a thorough insight into an individual's substance use history. This prolonged detection capability allows for an accurate assessment, giving organizations confidence in the behavioral patterns of their applicants or existing workforce.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oakland, PA.
Air follicle tests drastically minimize the risks associated with sample tampering. The verification process ensures that results are credible and free from adulteration. This method secures trust by delivering results that are difficult to manipulate, bringing peace of mind to those relying on them for crucial decision-making.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oakland, PA.
Our testing centers are strategically located nationwide, including locally in Oakland, PA. This ensures swift and seamless access to testing services, sparing companies the hassle of extensive travel or delays. Our facilities are designed for ease of access, enabling efficient testing processes without the inconvenience of long-distance arrangements.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Oakland, PA.
We prioritize simplicity and confidentiality in our testing process, from ordering to taking and receiving results. Our streamlined procedures are designed with privacy in mind, ensuring that individuals feel secure throughout their testing experience. The confidentiality of the process alleviates concerns, making it straightforward and stress-free for all users.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oakland, PA.
We offer competitive pricing structures paired with rapid turnaround times, delivering exceptional value to businesses regardless of size. Our cost-effective solutions ensure that companies receive high-quality service without financial strain, fostering confidence in timely and reliable screening outcomes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oakland, PA.
Hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled when it comes to precision and swiftness. They boast high accuracy levels in uncovering substance use history, making them the test of choice for many. The meticulous nature of hair testing ensures that the results are both quick and reliable, catering to the urgent needs of employers and legal bodies requiring swift confirmations.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oakland, PA.
Implementing hair follicle testing in the workplace promotes adherence to drug-free policies and significantly reduces legal liabilities. Employers can maintain a safer work environment while being assured of a legal safeguard against illicit substance use, fostering a culture of trust and responsibility within their organizations.

Drug Testing Near Oakland, PA

New Wilmington, PA

Frizzleburg, PA

Chewton, PA

Wampum, PA

Sunset Valley, PA

West Pittsburg, PA

New Castle Northwest, PA

South New Castle, PA

Oakwood, PA

New Castle, PA

Lawrence, 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.

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