Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Woodbourne, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as a strong method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. By collecting hair near the scalp, it is possible to achieve up to a 3-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. The process of collection is easy, manipulation is challenging, and shipping is straightforward.

A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is perfect for initial testing and verification. For EtG, extensions, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. Use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If head hair isn’t available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair refers strictly to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary phases in processing a laboratory drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails incorporating a sample into the laboratory framework. This means confirming the sample was properly sealed and transported, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial cursory review for substances of abuse. Screening offers an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, although a positive finding requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.

Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the primary specimen undergoes Extraction preparation. Here, the drug substances are extracted at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly intricate.

To verify positive screening outcomes, the process uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples identified as presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation if needed. This extensive laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug tests can detect usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with limited detection periods.
• Cheating deterrent: Manipulating a hair drug test is exceedingly challenging, thereby enhancing result reliability.
• Captures historical usage: Capable of illustrating drugs use trends over time, rather than merely detecting recent usage.

Limitations:

• Misses immediate use: Drugs take approximately 5-7 days post-use to appear in hair.
• Price: Hair drug tests cost generally more than alternative testing techniques.
• Result discrepancies: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolites' hair concentration.

Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests", this test evaluates the hair strand rather than the root below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Advantages of Hair Testing Over Urine Testing

• In Woodbourne, PA, hair follicle testing stands out against the traditional urine tests.
• The method offers superior accuracy and a remarkable reliability factor.
• Hair tests extend the detection period significantly, outperforming urine in long-term substance use detection.

Extended Detection Window

Expanded Drug Detection Window

• Hair follicle testing in Woodbourne, PA can trace drug use up to 90 days.
• This capability offers employers a detailed view of a candidate or employee's drug history.
• A comprehensive detection period aids in observing longer-term substance use patterns.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing

• Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of tampering.
• This method provides results that are impervious to manipulation.
• Employers in Woodbourne, PA, can rely on these unquestionable outcomes for accurate assessments.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Testing Locations Nationwide

• Our widespread testing centers make access to services easy.
• Residents of Woodbourne, PA can benefit from quick and hassle-free testing nearby.
• Nationwide availability ensures consistent testing services across multiple locations.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple and Confidential Testing Process

• Ordering procedures are straightforward and secure.
• The process of taking the test and receiving results in Woodbourne, PA prioritizes confidentiality.
• We address privacy concerns to ensure ease of use and discretion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Cost-Effective Testing with Rapid Results

• Our competitive pricing structures cater to businesses of any size in Woodbourne, PA.
• Expect fast turnaround times for testing results.
• Value and peace of mind are assured through affordable and efficient testing services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Speed and Precision in Drug Testing

• Hair follicle drug tests in Woodbourne, PA ensure swift and accurate detections of drug use.
• These tests guarantee a high level of precision, making them a reliable choice for identifying substance use.
• Results are typically processed quickly, providing users with timely information on potential drug intake.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Compliance and Safety

• Hair follicle tests support compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
• They reduce potential legal issues for employers in Woodbourne, PA.
• Promoting a safe work environment is achieved through consistent use of this testing method.

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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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