Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Beaver Meadows, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a timeline of alcohol and drug use by preserving biomarkers within the strands as they grow. A hair sample taken near the scalp can reveal drug and alcohol use for a period extending up to 3 months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in width) next to the scalp yields about 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and validation purposes. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for measurement is suggested. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. 'Head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' pertains to all other types (such as facial or axillary).

Process Overview

There are four primary stages in the laboratory assessment of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes incorporating the sample into the laboratory system initially. This step involves verifying the sample's secure sealing and appropriate shipping, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing additional information not entered through an electronic chain of custody.

Screening serves as the preliminary check for substance abuse. While a cost-efficient method for identifying drug use in most samples, any positive results need confirmation to be legally valid. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening must undergo further confirmation.

If a sample tests as possibly positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the primary sample for the Extraction stage. Drugs are isolated from the hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid tests, making hair drug testing the most challenging to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screening result occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumed positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection time: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, offering a longer detection period than urine tests.
• Resistance to tampering: The difficulty in falsifying a hair drug test results in more reliable outcomes.
• Historical usage data: It reveals a drug use pattern over time rather than just documenting recent use.

Limitations:

• Limited recent detection: Drugs become identifiable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally cost more than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Beaver Meadows, PA
When comparing

benefits of hair testing

to traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests stand out with superior detection accuracy and reliability. They offer a more extensive detection period, often up to 90 days, which provides a broader understanding of an individual’s substance use history. This enhanced detection ability makes them a preferred choice in Beaver Meadows.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Beaver Meadows, PA

• A hair follicle test's detection window
can reach up to 90 days, far surpassing usual methods. This allows employers to gain a more detailed view of any substance use over a significant timeframe, assisting in making informed hiring or retention decisions in Beaver Meadows.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Beaver Meadows, PA

Hair follicle tests offer robust protection

against sample tampering, ensuring that the results remain valid and unquestionable. This minimizes the risks associated with sample adulteration, allowing for credible testing in Beaver Meadows.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Beaver Meadows, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including convenient local sites, makes it easy for residents of Beaver Meadows to access quick and hassle-free testing services. With widespread availability, tests can be conducted without geographical constraints.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Beaver Meadows, PA
Ordering, undertaking, and obtaining results from hair follicle tests are straightforward and confidential. The process, designed to ensure privacy and convenience, alleviates users' concerns about ease and confidentiality in Beaver Meadows.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Beaver Meadows, PA

Our competitive pricing structures

and quick results provide great value for companies of all sizes in Beaver Meadows. With a fast turnaround, organizations enjoy efficient service without compromise on quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Beaver Meadows, PA
Hair follicle drug tests deliver

rapid and precise results

, offering high accuracy for detecting substances. In Beaver Meadows, the efficiency of these tests assures both individuals and organizations of their dependability in determining substance use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Beaver Meadows, PA

• Hair follicle testing ensures compliance
with workplace drug policies, reducing legal exposure and promoting a safer workplace environment. Employers can rest assured of maintaining a drug-free workspace, enhancing overall safety in Beaver Meadows.

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