Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Vanport, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is notably recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record for alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When collected near the scalp, hair offers approximately a three-month detection window for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample's weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may suffice. When we refer to head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This process involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any extra data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves an initial rapid test for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in a majority of samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening mandate a secondary confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most challenging methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can detect drug use for a duration of up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection window.
• Hard to manipulate: It is highly challenging to deceive a hair drug test, increasing the accuracy of the results.
• Offers historical data: It aids in illustrating a pattern of drug use over a duration, not limited to recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent usage: It requires approximately 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are generally pricier compared to other drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Factors such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Commonly referenced as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Vanport, PA, the former stands out due to its superior detection accuracy. Hair tests offer a reliable, longer detection window, capturing drug use history over 90 days.

Additionally, hair follicle tests minimize the chances of tampering, unlike urine tests which can be manipulated. This reliability makes it the preferred choice for comprehensive drug screening.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Vanport, PA shines with its extended detection period, showcasing substance use over a 90-day timeframe. Employers appreciate this feature as it provides a fuller picture of an individual’s drug history.

This extended window ensures that past drug use is not easily hidden, allowing employers to make informed hiring decisions. The test assesses long-term patterns, unlike other methods that only reveal short-term use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The integrity of hair follicle tests in Vanport, PA lies in their tamper-resistant nature, offering confidence in the results. This method significantly lowers risks linked to sample adulteration.

For reliable and indisputable outcomes, choose hair follicle tests. They ensure that the results you receive are accurate reflections of actual substance use, eliminating doubts about sample integrity.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing presents convenient testing locations across Vanport, PA and nationwide. Our accessible centers ensure a hassle-free experience when scheduling tests.

Whether local or traveling, our widespread network guarantees you’ll find a testing center nearby. Enjoy the convenience of professional services without geographical limitations.

Simple, Confidential Process

Experience a straightforward and confidential testing process in Vanport, PA. From ordering to receiving results, privacy and ease of use are prioritized throughout.

Our ordered procedures ensure clarity and confidentiality. Engage in a seamless process where concerns about privacy are meticulously addressed, making your testing experience as smooth as possible.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive pricing models in Vanport, PA make our hair follicle testing services affordable. Fast turnaround times add value to businesses seeking cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality.

With quick results and economical pricing, Accredited Drug Testing provides businesses of all sizes with a reliable solution, ensuring financial feasibility and peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Vanport, PA offer unprecedented precision and speed, ensuring reliable detection of substance use. By analyzing a small sample of hair, these tests provide fast results, reducing the waiting time significantly.

The accuracy of hair follicle testing is unparalleled, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize quality over convenience. Prompt and precise results ensure you get the clarity you need swiftly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Vanport, PA find peace of mind with hair follicle testing. It ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety.

By opting for hair testing, companies align with industry standards and protect their workforce from the dangers associated with substance abuse. The assurance of compliance maintains a secure working 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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