Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Wayne, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands chronicle extended histories of alcohol and substance usage by ensnaring biomarkers within the growing fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp results in about 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not at hand, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory's framework. This process ensures that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any supplemental data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to negate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that are presumptive positives in Screening mandate additional confirmation.

In the event a sample yields a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus presenting hair drug screening as a more intricate methodology.

Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as deemed necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection range.
• Difficult to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is exceedingly challenging, thereby enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: It reveals a pattern of drug use over time, beyond mere recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect immediate use: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests usually come at a higher cost than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Variability in results: Aspects like hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Tests in Wayne, PA
Hair follicle testing provides a broader detection spectrum compared to traditional urine analysis. This method not only offers extended detection periods but also boasts better accuracy, allowing for more reliable results. By its very nature, hair follicle testing provides a more secure approach to screening, which is vital for ensuring comprehensive oversight and compliance for institutions and businesses alike. Employers benefit from this enhanced reliability, reducing uncertainties regarding workforce substance use.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Wayne, PA
Hair follicle testing provides an expansive detection period, far surpassing conventional urine tests. Whereas urine tests cover only recent substance use, hair analysis can reveal drug use over an extensive span of up to 90 days. For employers seeking a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history, this is invaluable, offering insights into patterns of use that might otherwise remain undetected with shorter-term testing methods.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wayne, PA
One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing over other methods is its resistance to tampering. Unlike urine tests, where samples can be adulterated or substituted, hair samples provide an assurance of authenticity. This reliability reduces the risk of invalid results, ensuring that the findings reflect an individual's actual substance use history, thus protecting the integrity of the test outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Centers and Local Facilities in Wayne, PA
With testing centers strategically located across the nation, including Wayne, PA, accessing hair follicle testing services is both seamless and hassle-free. Our local presence ensures that both individuals and employers can easily avail themselves of our services without long wait times or logistical challenges. This accessibility supports timely and efficient testing, meeting the needs of all clients smoothly.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simplified, Confidential Testing Process in Wayne, PA
Our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and discrete, ensuring that your privacy is always protected. From ordering to sample submission and receiving results, every step is designed with user convenience in mind. Clients can trust that their information remains confidential, providing a stress-free testing experience that respects their personal privacy and peace of mind.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Cost-Effective Solutions and Prompt Turnaround in Wayne, PA
We offer competitive pricing on our hair follicle testing services, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality. With rapid turnaround times, these tests present great value for organizations of all sizes. Efficient processing means that businesses can quickly act on results, maintaining operational continuity while ensuring a drug-free workplace.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Outcomes in Wayne, PA
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precise and swift results. The meticulous nature of the method ensures a heightened level of accuracy in identifying substance use, offering peace of mind through dependable results. This steadfast approach ensures that employers receive the information they need promptly, making informed decisions easier and reducing delays associated with traditional methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wayne, PA
Employing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, providing employers with legal protection and enhancing workplace safety. This method not only aligns with compliance standards but also cultivates a safer working environment by deterring substance use. The reliability of the results fosters trust within the employer-employee relationship, reducing potential liability and enhancing corporate responsibility.

Drug Testing Near Wayne, PA

Conshohocken, PA

Haverford College, PA

Bryn Mawr, PA

Paoli, PA

Broomall, PA

Chesterbrook, PA

Newtown Square, PA

West Conshohocken, PA

Rosemont, PA

King of Prussia, PA

Devon-Berwyn, PA

Berwyn, PA

Devon, PA

Villanova, PA

Strafford, 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