Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Fairchance, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is regarded as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other narcotics by encapsulating chemical indicators within the fibers as the hair strand expands. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. When referencing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, underarm, etc.).

Process Overview

The four essential phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the primary handling of a sample within a lab’s database. This process includes ensuring the sample is appropriately sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody framework.

Screening is a preliminary swift assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening serves as an economical method to negate drug consumption in most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation to be considered valid in legal proceedings. Any samples showing potential positivity in Screening require a confirmation step.

If a sample appears potential positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a lower intensity compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex method to execute.

Any positive screening outcomes are corroborated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS procedures. All potentially positive samples undergo a cleansing step before confirmation as necessary. The whole lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and also the compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug assessments can ascertain drug use for as long as 90 days, in contrast with urine assessments which feature a lesser detection window.
• Difficulty to cheat: Circumventing a hair drug assessment is quite challenging, ensuring more reliable results.
• Provides historical data: It outlines a pattern of drug intake over time, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs take about 5-7 days to become visible in hair strands.
• Cost: Hair drug assessments typically incur higher costs versus other drug assessment techniques.
• Variations in results: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug constituents in the hair.

Note: The test is often referred to as "hair follicle tests", but it analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
Compared to traditional urine testing, hair follicle testing in Fairchance, PA boasts superior detection accuracy and reliability. It excels in identifying drug use over a longer span, offering a clearer picture of substance habits. Employers and courts prefer this method for its comprehensive results, minimizing the risk of evasion and ensuring robust policy enforcement.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in Fairchance, PA captures drug use data stretching up to 90 days. This extended detection period gives companies detailed insight into an individual’s drug history, invaluable for ensuring workforce integrity. Employers gain a holistic view of an employee's or candidate's substance use, aiding thorough assessments for hiring and compliance.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Fairchance, PA, hair follicle tests are recognized for diminishing the likelihood of sample tampering. Through a process that's hard to manipulate, these tests deliver reliable and unquestionable results. This security aspect assures employers of trustworthy outcomes, strengthening the overall testing framework and upholding stringent compliance measures.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
In Fairchance, PA, ease of access defines our nationwide network of testing centers. With local hubs available, scheduling tests becomes a swift and hassle-free experience. This convenience ensures that employers and individuals can procure services efficiently, yielding quick and accessible testing solutions tailored to varied demands.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process
The process for ordering and receiving hair follicle testing services in Fairchance, PA is streamlined and maintains the highest levels of confidentiality. From test scheduling to result delivery, ease and privacy are at the forefront, addressing concerns efficiently. This ensures a smooth, user-friendly experience with an emphasis on securing sensitive information.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Our drug testing services in Fairchance, PA feature competitive pricing combined with rapid turnaround times. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from these financial advantages, which provide value without compromise. Our commitment to affordability and speed ensures peace of mind across various organizational needs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Fairchance, PA, hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled speed and precision in detecting substance use. Known for their high accuracy rates, these tests can identify even minute traces of drug use over an extended period, ensuring extremely reliable results. This efficacious approach enhances the dependability of drug screening processes in a timely manner.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Fairchance, PA benefit significantly from utilizing hair follicle drug testing for workplace compliance. This method supports stringent drug-free policies, mitigating legal repercussions and promoting a safer working environment. Such precautions result in heightened peace of mind, confirming adherence to regulatory standards and maintaining workplace safety.

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