Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Upper Providence Township, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a long-term use history of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When cut close to the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month window of detection for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to falsify, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches of about 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp achieves a collection of 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmatory tests. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary phases within the lab analysis of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the introductory processing of a sample into the laboratory system. This phase ensures the sample was sealed and delivered correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any needed data input not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen needs a follow-up confirmation to be considered valid in legal settings. Samples testing presumptively positive during Screening must undergo subsequent confirmation.

For specimens presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are pulled from hair at a far lower concentration as opposed to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting hair drug screening as the most challenging technique to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screen is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and compliance to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a reduced detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is notably difficult, thus enhancing result accuracy.
• Supplies historical information: It offers a record of drug use over time, not solely immediate usage.

Limitations:

• Unable to identify recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair roughly 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically more costly compared to other testing methods.
• Inconsistencies in results: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence the drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis examines the hair strand rather than the scalp's hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Choosing hair follicle testing over urine testing in Upper Providence Township, PA, offers distinct advantages. Hair testing provides a broader detection window, allowing for the identification of substance use over a longer period. This makes it exceptionally reliable for employers needing a comprehensive account of an individual's history.

Beyond extended detection periods, hair tests are known for their resistance to tampering, contrasting with urine tests which are more prone to adulteration. Employers benefit from the superior detection accuracy of hair testing, assuring them of the authenticity and reliability of the results.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Upper Providence Township, PA, offers a significant extended detection window, effectively covering up to 90 days of an individual's substance use history. This capability is crucial for employers needing a thorough insight into their employees' or candidates' long-term habits.

Employers value the detailed window that hair testing provides, offering a layered view into substance use patterns. Thus, hiring decisions are based on comprehensive data, contributing to a stable and safe workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Upper Providence Township, PA, hair follicle testing sets the standard for offering a tamper-resistant method of drug testing. With its unique sample collection process, the probability of sample adulteration is considerably minimized, being far more reliable than traditional urine tests.

The non-intrusive nature of hair testing significantly decreases the chances of fraud, delivering unquestionable results. This reliability builds trust among employers and ensures adherence to zero-tolerance policies.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient nationwide testing locations, including Upper Providence Township, PA, promoting ease of access for all testing needs. Whether local or across the nation, our vast network of facilities ensures hassle-free testing availability.

Employers and individuals can access our services with minimal effort, courtesy of strategically placed centers that allow for efficient and timely drug testing, streamlining what can otherwise be a challenging process.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of ordering and conducting a hair follicle test in Upper Providence Township, PA, is both simple and confidential. Ease of use and privacy are at the forefront of our testing services, ensuring that concerns over confidentiality are thoroughly addressed.

The straightforward nature of our process allows clients to confidently receive their results without compromising on privacy, contributing to a stress-free testing experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Upper Providence Township, PA. Our pricing ensures that companies, regardless of size, benefit from cost-effective testing without sacrificing quality or speed.

With competitive rates, organizations can manage testing budgets effectively while also receiving prompt results, bolstering value for money and providing reassurance when it comes to managing employee health protocols.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug test is renowned for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results in Upper Providence Township, PA. Its ability to detect substances with high precision ensures that employers can have full confidence in the results provided. The superior accuracy of hair testing means less time verifying results and more assurance in making informed decisions.

With prompt testing protocols, acquiring results swiftly is a critical factor. Hair follicle tests leverage advanced methods to ensure both speed and reliability, making it a top choice for those requiring urgent and dependable drug testing solutions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Upper Providence Township, PA, hair follicle testing guarantees compliance with workplace drug policies, minimizing legal exposures and enhancing safety. By opting for these robust testing methods, organizations can maintain a drug-free environment while protecting their employees.

Hair testing bolsters peace of mind by reducing liabilities linked to workplace drug use, showing commitment to safety and substance-free work settings while reinforcing zero-tolerance practices.

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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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