Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Revloc, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a long-lasting record of alcohol and drugs, as biomarkers get encased within the strands while they grow. When collected from the scalp area, hair samples can reveal alcohol and drug history extending up to around three months. It's easy to collect hair samples, they are relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to send off for testing.

A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands—akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil—nearest the scalp provides 100mg, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, it's suggested to use 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advisable. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" denotes all other hair types, such as facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The primary steps in processing a drug test in a lab setting are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step of logging a sample into the laboratory system, ensuring proper sealing and shipping, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data that isn't included in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for detecting drugs. Although it's an economical approach to exclude drug use in most cases, a confirmed positive result is necessary for legality. Samples that test positive in Screening need further verification through a secondary confirmation.

If a sample shows a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods, such as urine or oral fluid, thus making hair drug screening notably tricky to conduct.

Confirmation of presumptive positive results employs techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo a wash before confirmation, if needed. The complete lab process—from Accessioning to Confirmation—adheres to reviews under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Capable of identifying drug use for as long as 90 days, contrasting with urine tests' shorter detection span.
• Difficulty to cheat: Hair drug tests are extremely tough to manipulate, enhancing result accuracy.
• Provides historical data: Offers an overview of drug use patterns over time, beyond just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Detection in hair takes about 5-7 days post-drug usage.
• Cost: Generally pricier than other drug screening techniques.
• Variations in results: Differences in hair color and individual hair growth rates may influence drug metabolite concentrations within hair.

Note: Although sometimes labeled as "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Revloc, PA

Hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which can only identify drug use within a short window, hair tests provide a full picture, identifying substances used up to 90 days prior. This extended detection period gives regulatory bodies and companies alike an advantage in maintaining compliance.
Detection Superiority

• Longer detection window for substances.
• Reduces risk of false negatives inherent in urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Revloc, PA

The ability to detect drug use over a much longer duration is a primary benefit of hair follicle testing. In Revloc, PA, this method allows employers to assess a person’s substance use history going back up to 90 days, unlike shorter-term urine tests. This provides a complete understanding of an individual's behavior, aligning with comprehensive workplace policies.
Enhanced Substance History

• A 90-day detection window widens evaluation accuracy.
• Gives a broader perspective on substance use patterns.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Revloc, PA

Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration, delivering reliable, unquestionable results. This method of drug testing in Revloc, PA, ensures that the sample is taken and processed under observation, minimizing the chances of any tampering which can compromise other testing methodologies.
Reliable and Secure

• Observed collection limits sample corruption.
• Tampering risks are minimized, ensuring test integrity.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Revloc, PA

Accredited Drug Testing offers a network of testing centers nationwide, ensuring accessible services in Revloc, PA. This convenience supports quick, hassle-free access to hair follicle screening, making compliance effortless for individuals and organizations alike.
Ease and Accessibility

• Convenient local testing sites available.
• Nationwide access ensures seamless testing regardless of location.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Revloc, PA

Our drug testing process in Revloc, PA, is both simple and confidential, securing personal privacy. Ordering and obtaining results are streamlined, providing ease of use without compromising on the critical aspect of confidentiality.
Privacy Assurance

• Secure ordering and processing.
• Confidential results protect individual privacy.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Revloc, PA

Our pricing structures in Revloc, PA, are competitive, paired with rapid delivery times for results. This encourages trust and confidence from companies of all sizes requiring drug testing without breaking their budget. The value offered ensures peace of mind and satisfaction.
Value and Efficiency

• Budget-conscious pricing options available.
• Quick results foster trust in service delivery.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Revloc, PA

Hair follicle drug tests in Revloc, PA, are renowned for their precision and speed. They are highly effective in determining substance use, offering reliable data that stakeholders can trust. The efficiency of this testing method ensures that results are delivered swiftly, aiding timely decision-making processes.
High Accuracy in Detection

• Hair tests can uncover usage patterns, thanks to their accuracy.
• The reliability of results is paramount, making this method superior.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Revloc, PA

For employers in Revloc, PA, hair follicle testing supports adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This approach enhances safety and reduces legal risks, keeping workplace environments secure. Employers gain confidence in successfully implementing zero-tolerance drug policies.
Reliable Workplace Standards

• Ensures adherence to policy and safety protocols.
• Aids in maintaining a professional, drug-free environment.

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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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