Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Sandy, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair assessments are increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The strands of hair capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering a prolonged record of substance use. When the sample is from near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug use over a period extending up to roughly three months. The collection process for hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.

An ideal sample for analysis and verification is a 1.5-inch hair segment, comprising approximately 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp, yielding 100mg. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is unobtainable, equivalent body hair can be gathered. Specifically, head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

The four primary phases in lab analysis of drug testing outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning starts with integrating a sample into the lab’s records. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage for most samples, any positive result necessitates further confirmation for courtroom acceptance. All presumptive positives from Screening require another confirmation process.

In cases where the Screening indicates presumptive positivity, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. This phase involves retrieving substances from hair at a smaller concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.

GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are utilized for confirming any positive screening outcomes. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo a pre-confirmation wash if necessary. The entire lab procedure, ranging from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair testing may reveal drug consumption over a 90-day duration, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection timeline.
• High barrier to falsification: The robustness of hair drug tests makes them difficult to manipulate, ensuring reliable results.
• Reveals usage history: It can document ongoing drug usage patterns, not just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent intake: There is a period of roughly 5-7 days before drugs are identifiable in hair.
• Expense: Typically, hair drug testing incurs higher costs than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentration within the hair.

Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the examination is performed on hair strands, not on the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Sandy, PA, stands out against traditional urine tests by offering a superior level of detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair testing provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history, making it a preferred choice for employers and courts. The reliability of hair follicle tests ensures a more assured approach to drug testing, unaffected by variables that could compromise urine-related assessments.

Extended Detection Window

Where traditional methods fall short, hair follicle testing in Sandy, PA, excels by providing an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This prolonged period allows employers to gain a fuller picture of a candidate or employee's substance use, revealing any patterns that might not be apparent in more limited tests. With this broader historical overview, organizations can make better-informed decisions about their workforce.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Sandy, PA, significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering. Due to the nature of hair samples, which are collected under stringent conditions, the possibility for adulteration is considerably reduced. This tamper-resistant testing method provides reliable, unquestionable results, fortifying the integrity of the drug testing process for all involved stakeholders.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With conveniently located testing centres nationwide and local options in Sandy, PA, accessibility to accurate drug testing has never been easier. Our widespread network ensures that everyone can quickly and easily access our comprehensive testing services. This convenience removes barriers, simplifying the drug testing process for individuals and organizations that require timely and efficient results.

Simple, Confidential Process

Drug testing in Sandy, PA, is a straightforward and confidential process. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step is designed to protect your privacy while ensuring ease of use. This simple approach addresses any privacy concerns that may arise, providing a seamless experience that respects the confidentiality of every participant involved in the drug testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

We provide hair follicle drug testing in Sandy, PA, with competitive pricing structures tailored to offer great value for businesses of all sizes. Coupled with fast turnaround times, our services ensure that companies can access premium testing options without straining their budgets. This balance of affordability and speed ensures clients receive excellent service consistently, fostering trust and confidence.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug tests offered in Sandy, PA, provide unmatched accuracy and rapid results. These tests are designed to detect substance use with great precision, ensuring that no detail is overlooked during the analysis process. This reliable testing method stands as a testament to advanced drug detection technology, giving individuals and organizations in Sandy the confidence they need in their drug test outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Sandy, PA, find hair follicle testing integral to maintaining compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This testing method not only reduces legal liabilities but also enhances workplace safety. Trusting hair follicle tests ensures employers uphold a safe environment while demonstrating their commitment to a drug-free workplace, providing peace of mind across all levels of the organizational hierarchy.

Drug Testing Near Sandy, PA

Brockport, PA

Brockway, PA

Crenshaw, PA

Reynoldsville, PA

Troutville, PA

Treasure Lake, PA

Sandy Lake, PA

Sykesville, PA

Luthersburg, PA

Falls Creek, PA

Du Bois, PA

DuBois, 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