Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Union Deposit, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as a crucial instrument for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by encasing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month window for detecting drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to falsify, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, it is suggested to acquire 150mg of the sample. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair may be gathered. When referring to head hair, it exclusively indicates scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four key phases in the lab processing of a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process involves verifying proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is an initial swift assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for courtroom admissibility. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.

If a Screening stage sample appears presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection period.
• Difficulty to cheat: A hair drug test is challenging to manipulate, ensuring more reliable results.
• Provides historical data: It can reveal a pattern of drug use over time rather than just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Cost: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier than other drug testing methods.
• Variations in results: Elements such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the scalp's hair follicle

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Union Deposit, PA, hair follicle testing holds significant advantages over urine testing. The superior detection accuracy of hair tests captures a longer substance usage history, making it a more reliable method. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests cannot be easily manipulated, assuring trustworthy results that comply with zero-tolerance policies and legal requirements.

For employers aiming to enforce stringent drug-free policies, the choice is clear. Hair tests provide unmatched accuracy and reliability, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of substance use over an extended period. This strategic advantage helps businesses maintain safe and compliant work environments.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Union Deposit, PA offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, far surpassing traditional methods. This extended time frame provides employers a broader perspective on an individual's substance history, aiding in more informed decision-making regarding employment and workplace safety.

Employers benefit from this comprehensive assessment, gaining insights into an applicant's or employee's past substance use behaviors. The extended detection period ensures that no recent usage goes unnoticed, supporting a safer and more reliable hiring process.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Union Deposit, PA, hair follicle tests present a tamper-resistant solution to drug screening. This method significantly minimizes sample adulteration risks, providing reliable, indisputable results. The robust nature of hair tests ensures that the integrity of each test is maintained, crucial for upholding stringent drug-free workplace standards.

The difficulty in manipulating hair samples ensures peace of mind for employers and legal authorities, affirming the authenticity and trustworthiness of test outcomes. This reliability makes hair testing an ideal method for environments requiring high security and accuracy.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience is key in Union Deposit, PA, with nationwide testing centers making hair follicle testing accessible and hassle-free. Whether local or national, our facilities offer quick and easy access to testing services, ensuring minimal disruption to your day while maintaining the highest standard of testing procedures.

The extensive network of testing locations guarantees that individuals and employers can easily find and access the necessary services, providing seamless integration into regular business operations while ensuring reliable and consistent drug testing processes.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Union Deposit, PA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step ensures privacy and ease of use. Individuals can trust that their information is protected throughout, and the simplicity of the process makes hair testing a user-friendly option.

Privacy concerns are addressed at every stage, ensuring that both individuals and organizations can confidently rely on the test's integrity. This ease and confidentiality bolster trust in testing outcomes and support the use of hair follicle testing as a preferred method.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our hair follicle testing in Union Deposit, PA offers affordable pricing and swift turnaround times. These competitive pricing strategies ensure testing is accessible to organizations of all sizes, providing value without compromising on the quality and accuracy of the results.

The expedited processing times mean that results are available quickly, facilitating timely decision-making for employers. This efficiency, combined with cost-effective solutions, helps maintain a responsible and dynamic workforce, critical for operational success.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Union Deposit, PA offer unparalleled precision and rapid results. The accuracy of these tests in identifying substance use ensures reliable outcomes. In comparison to other testing methods, hair tests provide a swift and trustworthy way to ascertain substance use history, minimizing false outcomes and delivering dependable results.

Relying on the proven accuracy of hair follicle drug tests can provide critical insights quickly, making them an ideal choice for employers seeking to maintain a drug-free workplace. The speed at which results are generated ensures prompt decision-making and peace of mind.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing in Union Deposit, PA offers employers assurance of compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By reducing the risk of workplace incidents and potential legal liabilities, hair testing fosters a safe and secure work environment. Adopting this testing method enhances employers' confidence in maintaining a corporate culture of safety and responsibility.

With the comprehensive insights provided by hair testing, employers can make informed decisions, ensuring their teams adhere to strict substance use policies. This strategic approach not only safeguards employees but also bolsters the company's reputation for safety and compliance.

Drug Testing Near Union Deposit, PA

Oberlin, PA

Royalton, PA

Middletown, PA

Colonial Park, PA

Linglestown, PA

Lawnton, PA

Paxtonia, PA

Campbelltown, PA

Palmyra, PA

Rutherford, PA

Skyline View, PA

Palmdale, PA

Hummelstown, PA

Derry, PA

Hershey, 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