Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Alsace Manor, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair can document a prolonged history of alcohol and drug consumption by locking in biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When hair is taken near the scalp, it offers a detection window for drugs and alcohol lasting up to roughly 3 months. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and simple to mail.

A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. It's advisable to measure the specimen on a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. By "head hair," we mean exclusively scalp hair. "Body hair" refers to any other hair types (such as facial hair, axillary hair, etc.).

Process Overview

The process of handling a drug test result in a laboratory is divided into four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into the laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as a preliminary scan for identifying drugs of abuse. While it efficiently eliminates drug use in the majority of specimens, a positive screening result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are tentatively positive at the Screening stage need further confirmation.

Should Screening indicate a tentative positive, more hair is drawn from the original specimen and processed for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are withdrawn from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making it a challenging method to execute.

Positive results in the screening phase are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples flagged as tentatively positive are cleansed before undergoing confirmation, as necessary. Each stage from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can identify drug intake for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter time frame.
• Hard to manipulate: Because it's challenging to deceive a hair drug test, results tend to be more reliable.
• Tracks past use: It reveals a pattern of drug consumption over extended periods, not only recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify immediate use: Detection in hair takes about 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug testing generally costs more than other drug testing techniques.
• Potential result variations: Variables like hair color and individual growth rates can alter the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Though commonly termed "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 Outperforms Urine Testing in Alsace Manor, PA
Compared to traditional urine testing, hair follicle tests offer a higher level of detection precision and reliability. This advanced method allows for a more accurate depiction of an individual's substance use history, crucial for employers and legal frameworks engaged in zero-tolerance policies.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Alsace Manor, PA
Hair follicle testing offers a remarkable ability to identify drug use over an extended period, often up to 90 days. This longer detection window provides employers with a comprehensive overview of a prospective or current employee's history of substance use, thereby aiding informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Alsace Manor, PA
The hair follicle test is famously tamper-resistant, significantly reducing the likelihood of adulterated samples. Offering precise and indisputable results, this testing method fosters a reliable framework for individuals and organizations needing credible drug use assessments.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Sites in Alsace Manor, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers, both nationwide and locally in Alsace Manor, guarantees hassle-free access to testing services. This convenience ensures swift, straightforward entry into our testing framework, making the process easy for everyone involved.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Alsace Manor, PA
The hair follicle testing procedure offers a straightforward and private process from ordering to results acquisition. This approach addresses any privacy concerns, ensuring a user-friendly path for those seeking testing, while keeping sensitive information secure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Alsace Manor, PA
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times provide extraordinary value to businesses and individuals alike. Accessible and budget-friendly, our services promise expediency and assurance across all levels of access to testing resources.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Alsace Manor, PA
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and quick-results delivery in Alsace Manor. The efficiency of this method ensures not only speed but also a high degree of accuracy in detecting substance misuse, providing stakeholders with data that they can trust without any delay.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Alsace Manor, PA
Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal troubles and fostering workplace safety. This compliance not only safeguards employees but also instills confidence in employers regarding their workforce's adherence to workplace standards.

Drug Testing Near Alsace Manor, PA

Reiffton, PA

Mount Penn, PA

Jacksonwald, PA

St. Lawrence, PA

River View Park, PA

Riverview Park, PA

Muhlenberg Park, PA

Fleetwood, PA

Oley, PA

Stony Creek Mills, PA

Walnuttown, PA

Temple, PA

Blandon, PA

South Temple, PA

Laureldale, PA