Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Pymatuning Central, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is regarded as an effective technique to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. If collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to alter, and straightforward to ship.

A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests above 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary stages within the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning comprises the initial processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This involves verifying that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial quick assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be admissible in court. Any samples that are tentatively positive during Screening require a secondary confirmation.

If a sample is tentatively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening among the most challenging methodologies to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All tentatively positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection timeframe.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely difficult, thereby enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Delivers historical data: It can exhibit a pattern of drug usage over time, not merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: It requires approximately 5-7 days for drugs to be visible in hair.
• Expense: Typically, hair drug tests are pricier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variations: Variables such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can impact drug metabolite concentration within hair.

Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself analyzes the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Pymatuning Central, PA, hair follicle testing triumphs over urine analysis with superior detection capabilities. It offers a broader detection window and significantly reduces the chance of tampering. The high reliability of hair testing makes it a preferred choice for employers aiming for thorough substance use screening.

While urine tests are common, hair tests provide an unmistakable edge in terms of accuracy, making them the better choice for substantial insight into an individual's drug use history.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Pymatuning Central, PA, benefit from hair follicle tests' extensive detection window, which spans up to 90 days. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis provides a historic view of substance use, offering a detailed account of an employee's habits over time.

This extended detection period is invaluable for employers dedicated to maintaining a drug-free environment, allowing comprehensive evaluations that reveal long-term usage patterns.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Pymatuning Central, PA, offers a robust defense against sample tampering. Unlike urine tests, hair samples resist adulteration, ensuring that results remain authentic and reliable, offering peace of mind to employers and substance abuse professionals.

Such integrity in the testing process reinforces the trust in the results, supporting accurate assessments without the risk of manipulation, crucial in maintaining a fair evaluation procedure.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With a widespread network, Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient access to hair follicle testing in Pymatuning Central, PA. Our extensive coverage allows for easy, hassle-free interactions at numerous locations, simplifying the testing process for individuals and employers alike.

Our local and nationwide presence guarantees efficient service delivery, making drug testing accessible and straightforward wherever needed without compromising on quality or reliability.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Pymatuning Central, PA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving the results, every step prioritizes user privacy, ensuring security and simplicity for all involved.

Addressing possible concerns regarding confidentiality, our streamlined procedures promise ease and discretion, providing results seamlessly without privacy compromising steps.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing in Pymatuning Central, PA, emphasizes affordable pricing with swift turnaround times. Our competitive price structures deliver outstanding value, ensuring financial viability for businesses of all sizes seeking reliable drug testing solutions.

Quick result delivery pairs with cost-effectiveness, ensuring companies can make informed decisions efficiently and economically, maximizing both operational efficacy and budget considerations.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Pymatuning Central, PA, hair follicle drug tests are prized for their precision and efficiency. They offer rapid results with remarkably high accuracy, identifying substance use reliably. The meticulous process ensures that individuals and employers can trust in the findings provided by these tests.

Fast, accurate outcomes are crucial for making informed decisions, particularly when assessing potential substance use. Hair testing provides clear and prompt insights, enabling better decision-making processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Implementing hair follicle testing in Pymatuning Central, PA, secures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method mitigates legal exposures and fosters a safer work environment, easing employers' minds and fulfilling regulatory demands efficiently.

The confidence afforded by a tamper-resistant, long-detection testing method supports organizational goals, providing assurance through reliable, in-depth assessments of employee substance use.

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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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