Hair Follicle Drug Testing Springfield, PA
Accredited Drug Testing Inc provides Hair Follicle drug testing Springfield, PA for individuals and employers needing a drug test utilizing the hair follicle analysis process. To schedule a hair follicle drug test in Springfield, PA, Call (800) 221-4291. Most testing centers are within minutes of your home or office.
Hair follicle drug testing Springfield, PA is available for 5, 10, and 12 panel drug screenings.
To schedule a Hair Follicle Drug Test at one of our testing centers in the Grady county area, Call (800) 221-4291, Same Day Service Available. Testing centers do not require an appointment, but you must call and register for the test.
Hair follicle drug testing is becoming a more popular method by employers and individuals in need of a drug test due to the detection time frame being longer than a standard urine test.
Local Hair follicle drug testing Springfield, PA centers are available to assist our clients throughout the entire process and all of our hair follicle drug testing Springfield, PA facilities have certified drug testing technicians available to conduct a hair follicle drug test collection.
Hair Follicle Drug Test
In recent years the method to conduct drug testing has more frequently included a hair follicle drug test. Many employers, courts and Substance Abuse Professionals are requiring a hair follicle drug test instead of a standard urine test. Hair follicle drug tests are used by employers who have zero-tolerance drug use policies, courts and individuals on probation. The primary benefit of a hair follicle drug test includes a much longer detection period for drug use which typically is up to 90 days. However, when screening drug use within the last 5 days the urine test continues to be the most accurate test.
Hair Follicle Drug Test Process
The procedure used to perform a hair follicle test is simple, the drug testing specialist will cut approximately 120 strands of hair (not really a lot) utilize a chain of custody procedure and send the hair to a certified laboratory for analysis. Drug testing centers require at least 1.5 inches of hair to perform this test and the hair generally needs to come from the head, however if the donor does not have head hair certain testing centers can use hair from chest, leg or arm pit.
If a donor has no hair on their body, than a hair test cannot be performed!
Hair Follicle Drug Test Results
Once the hair follicles have been analyzed by a certified laboratory they will then be reviewed and then verified by a Medical Review Officer (licensed Physician) who will than release the results. Generally a negative hair follicle drug test result is available in 2-3 days. A non-negative hair follicle drug test is available in approximately 5 days.
Urine cut-off levels are expressed in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or as a weight of drug per unit volume of urine. Hair cut-off levels are expressed in picograms per milligram (pg/mg) or as a weight of drug per unit weight of hair
5 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 5 panel hair follicle drug test screens for the following
- Amphetamine
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine
5 Panel w/ Expanded Opiates Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 5 panel w/ expanded Opiates hair drug test screens for the standard 5 drugs but will also screen for Opiate class drugs such as pain killers, which may indicate abuse of prescription drugs
- Amphetamine
- Cocaine
- Codeine
- Marijuana
- Morphine
- Phencyclidine
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- 6 AM- Heroine
10 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 10 panel hair follicle drug test screens for the following
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine
- Propoxyphene
12 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 12 panel hair follicle drug test screens for the following
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Meperidine
- Methadone
- Opiates
- Oxycodone
- Phencyclidine
- Propoxyphene
- Tramadol
To schedule a Hair follicle Drug Testing Springfield, PA Call (800)221-4291.
Accredited Drug Testing Inc. is pleased to provide hair follicle drug testing, alcohol testing, occupational health and DNA testing services in Springfield, PA.
196 W SPROUL RD STE 110 0.8 miles
SPRINGFIELD, PA 19064
444 BALTIMORE PIKE 0.9 miles
SPRINGFIELD, PA 19064
920 W SPROUL RD STE 110 0.9 miles
SPRINGFIELD, PA 19064
131 S State Rd 1.0 miles
Springfield, PA 19064
Springfield Square Shopping Ce, 1001 Baltimore Pike Suite 112 1.1 miles
Springfield, PA 19064
103 BALTIMORE PIKE 1.2 miles
SPRINGFIELD, PA 19064
1 CRESCENT DR STE 100 2.5 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19112
2000 SPROUL RD STE 102 2.7 miles
BROOMALL, PA 19008
90 N MacDade BLVD, 2.8 miles
GLENOLDEN, PA 19036
213 MORTON AVE 2.9 miles
FOLSOM, PA 19033
501 W MacDade Boulevard, 3.1 miles
Folsom, PA 19033
1305 W CHESTER PIKE 3.2 miles
HAVERTOWN, PA 19083
2010 W Chester Pike, 3.3 miles
Havertown, PA 19083
8 MORTON AVE STE 206 3.6 miles
RIDLEY PARK, PA 19078
1503 LANSDOWNE AVE STE 2004 3.6 miles
DARBY, PA 19023
3574 West Chester Pike, 5.2 miles
Newtown Square, PA 19073
2801 ISLAND AVE Ste 2 5.2 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19153
1167A W Baltimore Pike, 5.5 miles
Media, PA 19063
7000 Holstein Ave 5.9 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19153
100 E LANCASTER AVE STE 317 5.9 miles
WYNNEWOOD, PA 19096
100 DIPLOMAT DR BAY 1 6.2 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19113
1311 N 52ND ST 6.6 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19131
934 MONTGOMERY AVE 7.0 miles
PENN VALLEY, PA 19072
1444 W PASSYUNK AVE 8.8 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19145
2219 S Broad St, 8.8 miles
Philadelphia, PA 19148
1930 S BROAD ST UNIT 11 8.8 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19145
1900 S BROAD ST 8.8 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19145
716 N 24TH ST 8.9 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19130
73 CROWN POINT RD 9.0 miles
PAULSBORO, NJ 8066
230 N BROAD ST MAIL STOP 101 9.2 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19102
230 N BROAD ST 9.4 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19102
227 N. Broad St, 9.4 miles
Philadelphia, PA 19107
5800 RIDGE AVE STE 234 9.6 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19128
525 Jamestown Street, 9.7 miles
Philadelphia, PA 19128
330 W. Oregon Avenue, 9.7 miles
Philadelphia, PA 19148
6060 RIDGE AVE STE 100 9.7 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19128
200 BARR HARBOR DR STE 400 9.9 miles
W CNSHOHOCKEN, PA 19428
2715 S FRONT ST, UNIT 2 9.9 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19148
1 REED ST 10.1 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19147
736 Baltimore Pike, Suite 9 10.2 miles
Concordville, PA 19331
1502 W Chester Pike, 10.5 miles
West Chester, PA 19382
250 KING OF PRUSSIA RD 10.9 miles
RADNOR, PA 19087
510 HERON DR STE 108 11.3 miles
SWEDESBORO, NJ 8085
510 HERON DR STE 114 11.3 miles
SWEDESBORO, NJ 8085
509 N BROAD ST 11.5 miles
WOODBURY, NJ 8096
608 N Broad St Ste 100 11.5 miles
Woodbury, NJ 8096
730 N Broad St, Suite 125 11.5 miles
Woodbury, NJ 8096
545 BECKETT RD STE 103 B 11.5 miles
SWEDESBORO, NJ 8085
107 Town Center Road 11.7 miles
King of Prussia, PA 19406
100 E LEHIGH AVE STE 106 MAB BUILDING 11.7 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19125
104 S BROADWAY 11.7 miles
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ 8030
3 COOPER PLZ RM 517 11.7 miles
CAMDEN, NJ 8103
170 N Henderson Rd, Suite 204 11.7 miles
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
170 N HENDERSON RD STE 306 11.8 miles
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406
2961 YORKSHIP SQ HISTORICAL FAIRVIEW 11.8 miles
CAMDEN, NJ 8104
1000 ATLANTIC AVE Family Health Center 11.8 miles
CAMDEN, NJ 8104
15 Industrial Blvd Ste, Suite A-101 11.8 miles
Paoli, PA 19301
875 MANTUA PIKE STE B 11.9 miles
WOODBURY, NJ 8096
11 INDUSTRIAL BLVD 11.9 miles
PAOLI, PA 19301
1001 CHESTERBROOK BLVD 11.9 miles
BERWYN, PA 19312
5322 MAGNOLIA ST 11.9 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19144
2 Penn Blvd, Suite 205 12.2 miles
Philadelphia, PA 19144
1200 DELSEA DR 12.6 miles
WESTVILLE, NJ 8093
3356 Aramingo Ave 13.1 miles
Philadelphia, PA 19134
3400 ARAMINGO AVE, STE 4 13.2 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19134
1403 Foulk Rd Ste 103, 13.3 miles
Wilmington, DE 19803
210 BENIGNO BLVD 13.3 miles
BELLMAWR, NJ 8031
1107 Bethlehem Pike, Suite 103 13.5 miles
Flourtown, PA 19031
1437 Dekalb St, 13.6 miles
Norristown, PA 19401
6 N BLACK HORSE PIKE 13.6 miles
MOUNT EPHRAIM, NJ 8059
Cooper River Plaza West, 6981 North Park Drive Suite 20 13.6 miles
Pennsauken, NJ 8109
201 TOMLIN STATION RD STE B 13.6 miles
MULLICA HILL, NJ 8062
309 Lancaster Avenue, 13.7 miles
Frazer, PA 19355
720--730 E Johnson Highway, 13.7 miles
Norristown, PA 19401
3600 SILVERSIDE RD STE B 13.9 miles
WILMINGTON, DE 19810
1000 Easton Rd, Suite 270 13.9 miles
Wyncote, PA 19095
915 OLD FERN HILL RD STE 3 14.0 miles
WEST CHESTER, PA 19380
850 GERMANTOWN PIKE 14.0 miles
PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA 19462
5675 N Front St, Store 260 14.0 miles
Philadelphia, PA 19120
510 E Gay Street 14.1 miles
West Chester, PA 19382
4501 Castor Ave, 14.1 miles
Philadelphia, PA 19124
2722 CONCORD PIKE 14.3 miles
WILMINGTON, DE 19803
5255 MARLTON PIKE 14.3 miles
PENNSAUKEN, NJ 8109
5000 FRANKFORD AVE Wakling Building 14.3 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19124
600 E Marshall St, 14.3 miles
West Chester, PA 19380
606 E MARSHALL ST STE 105 14.3 miles
WEST CHESTER, PA 19380
2123 CONCORD PIKE 14.6 miles
WILMINGTON, DE 19803
2521 W MAIN ST 15.0 miles
NORRISTOWN, PA 19403
6129 PALMETTO ST 15.0 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19111
515 Grove Street, Suite 1 A 15.4 miles
Haddon Heights, NJ 8035
500 B GROVE ST 15.5 miles
HADDON HEIGHTS, NJ 8035
807 Haddon Ave, 15.6 miles
Haddonfield, NJ 8033
535 PENNSYLVANIA AVE STE 101 15.8 miles
FORT WASHINGTON, PA 19034
515 Pennsylvania Ave, 15.9 miles
Ft Washington, PA 19034
2010 LEVICK ST 15.9 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19149
700 Cottman Ave, 16.1 miles
Philadelphia, PA 19111
800 HADDONFIELD RD 16.1 miles
CHERRY HILL, NJ 8002
6555 Roosevelt Blvd., 16.2 miles
Philadelphia, PA 19149
Cloverly Plaza, 628 Old York Road 16.3 miles
Jenkintown, PA 19046
475 Hurfville Cross Keys Road Suite B 16.4 miles
Sewell, NJ 8080
PO BOX 754 16.4 miles
LANSDALE, PA 19446
165 S BLACK HORSE PIKE 16.8 miles
RUNNEMEDE, NJ 8078
Delaware Ave & Clayton St, Trolley Square, Suites 3b-4b 16.8 miles
Wilmington, DE 19806
3 JEFFERSON DR 16.8 miles
LAUREL SPRINGS, NJ 8021
450 Cresson Blvd, Suite 3, Oaks Corporate Center 16.9 miles
Phoenixville, PA 19460
724 Dekalb Pike, 16.9 miles
Blue Bell, PA 19422
183 W Lincoln Highway - Unit 8, Whiteland Towne Shopping Cente 17.0 miles
Exton, PA 19341
6940 State Rd 17.0 miles
Philadelphia, PA 19135
9370 N CRESCENT BLVD STE 200 17.1 miles
PENNSAUKEN, NJ 8110
410 ANDBRO DR UNIT 1 17.1 miles
PITMAN, NJ 8071
55 E ROUTE 70 17.3 miles
MARLTON, NJ 8053
2322 ROUTE 38 17.3 miles
CHERRY HILL, NJ 8002
1601 N KINGS HWY, STE 100 17.5 miles
CHERRY HILL, NJ 8034
914 JUSTISON ST 17.5 miles
WILMINGTON, DE 19801
100 E BROAD ST 17.5 miles
PALMYRA, NJ 8065
7439 FRANKFORD AVE 2ND FL 17.6 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19136
Phoenixville Plaza, 700 Nutt Road Unit 735 17.7 miles
Phoenixville, PA 19460
1040 Kings Hwy, Suite 102 17.7 miles
Cherry Hill, NJ 8034
7528 Frankford Ave, 17.7 miles
Philadelphia, PA 19136
60 W MAIN ST, 17.7 miles
MAPLE SHADE, NJ 8052
1419 Old York Rd, 17.8 miles
Abington, PA 19001
1468 OLD YORK RD 18.0 miles
ABINGTON, PA 19001
625 N POTTSTOWN PIKE 18.0 miles
EXTON, PA 19341
100 HERITAGE VALLEY DR STE 2 18.1 miles
SEWELL, NJ 8080
1125 DELSEA DR N 18.3 miles
GLASSBORO, NJ 8028
37 S WHITE HORSE PIKE 18.3 miles
STRATFORD, NJ 8084
78 2ND AVE 18.6 miles
COLLEGEVILLE, PA 19426
196 William Dalton Drive, Doubletree Shopping Center 18.6 miles
Glassboro, NJ 8028
2001 College Drive Suite 11 18.6 miles
Clementon, NJ 8021
1210 ROUTE 130 N STE 1438 18.9 miles
CINNAMINSON, NJ 8077
2417 Welsh Rd, 19.0 miles
Philadelphia, PA 19114
80 W WELSH POOL RD, STE 205 N 19.0 miles
EXTON, PA 19341
80 W Welsh Pool Rd Ste 102, 19.0 miles
Exton, PA 19341
80 W WELSH POOL RD STE 2005 19.1 miles
EXTON, PA 19341
9331 OLD BUSTLETON AVE STE 102 19.1 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19115
School House Rd & Route 1, 132 Onix Drive 19.2 miles
Kennett Square, PA 19348
1430 US 130 North, 19.3 miles
Cinnaminson, NJ 8077
1101 White Horse Rd, 19.3 miles
Voorhees, NJ 8043
102 Schubert Dr 19.6 miles
Downingtown, PA 19335
257 W UWCHLAN AVE STE 220 19.6 miles
DOWNINGTOWN, PA 19335
2729 BLAIR MILL RD Ste A 19.7 miles
WILLOW GROVE, PA 19090
601 N MAIN ST PO BOX 900 19.7 miles
GLASSBORO, NJ 8028
9808 Bustleton Avenue, 19.8 miles
Philadelphia, PA 19115
100 KINGS WAY E STE B3 19.8 miles
SEWELL, NJ 8080
150 CENTURY PKWY STE B 19.9 miles
MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 8054
200 Lakeside Dr Ste 230, 19.9 miles
Horsham, PA 19044
1020 LAUREL OAK RD STE 300 19.9 miles
VOORHEES, NJ 8043
212 CHERRY LN 19.9 miles
NEW CASTLE, DE 19720
151 FRIES MILL RD STE 205-206 20.0 miles
TURNERSVILLE, NJ 8012
308 E Lancaster Ave, 20.0 miles
Downingtown, PA 19335
16000 HORIZON WAY STE 600 20.2 miles
MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 8054
150 E PENNSYLVANIA AVE STE 140 20.2 miles
DOWNINGTOWN, PA 19335
407 W LINCOLN HWY STE 109 20.2 miles
EXTON, PA 19341
188 Fries Mill Rd, Bldg. H 20.2 miles
Turnersville, NJ 8012
2309 E EVESHAM RD STE 104 20.2 miles
VOORHEES, NJ 8043
99 MANOR AVE STE 2 20.4 miles
DOWNINGTOWN, PA 19335
181 N Broadway, 20.4 miles
Pennsville, NJ 8070
817 E GATE DR STE 102 20.4 miles
MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 8054
246 Main Street, Cherry Hill P, Suite 202 20.5 miles
New Paltz, NY 12561
201 PRECISION RD 20.5 miles
HORSHAM, PA 19044
302 Hurffville Crosskeys Rd, Suite A-2 20.6 miles
Sewell, NJ 8080
239 Hurffville Crosskeys Rd Ste 160 20.7 miles
SEWELL, NJ 8080
2401 E EVESHAM RD, STE C 20.7 miles
VOORHEES, NJ 8043
1019 S BROAD ST 20.8 miles
LANSDALE, PA 19446
1020 LAUREL OAK RD STE 300 LAUREL OAKS CORPORATE CENTER 21.0 miles
VOORHEES, NJ 8043
1800 BYBERRY RD STE 705 21.1 miles
HUNTINGDON VALLEY, PA 19006
Limerick Square, 70 Buckwalter Road 21.1 miles
Royersford, PA 19468
10000 LINCOLN DR E STE 201 21.1 miles
MARLTON, NJ 8053
10800 KNIGHTS RD STE 206 21.2 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19114
401 YOUNG AVE URGENT CARE 21.2 miles
MOORESTOWN, NJ 8057
4A Eves Drive, Suite 110 21.2 miles
Marlton, NJ 8053
12000 LINCOLN DR W UNIT 308 21.3 miles
MARLTON, NJ 8053
3926 KIRKWOOD HWY 21.4 miles
WILMINGTON, DE 19808
830 W CYPRESS ST 21.8 miles
KENNETT SQUARE, PA 19348
111 CHURCH RD 22.0 miles
MARLTON, NJ 8053
525 E Basin Rd, 22.0 miles
New Castle, DE 19720
9 CARROLL AVE 22.0 miles
PENNSVILLE, NJ 8070
129 N DUPONT HWY 22.1 miles
NEW CASTLE, DE 19720
525 N BROAD ST 22.1 miles
LANSDALE, PA 19446
1941 LIMESTONE RD STE 109 22.1 miles
WILMINGTON, DE 19808
4022 Woodhaven Rd, 22.1 miles
Philadelphia, PA 19154
3105 LIMESTONE RD STE 105 22.2 miles
WILMINGTON, DE 19808
2804 SOUTHAMPTON RD 22.3 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19154
826 N BROAD ST 22.3 miles
LANSDALE, PA 19446
2837 SOUTHAMPTON RD 22.4 miles
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19154
202 LANTANA DR 22.5 miles
HOCKESSIN, DE 19707
1313 N BROAD ST 22.6 miles
LANSDALE, PA 19446
5311 Limestone Rd, Suite 202 22.8 miles
Wilmington, DE 19808
3301 E Lincoln Hwy, 22.9 miles
Thorndale, PA 19372
2031 N BROAD ST STE 127 23.3 miles
LANSDALE, PA 19446
1970 N BROAD ST 23.3 miles
LANSDALE, PA 19446
2131 N Broad St, 23.4 miles
Lansdale, PA 19446
210 E. Street Road, 3rd Floor, Ste 3D 23.5 miles
Feasterville, PA 19053
ONSITE ONLY 23.6 miles
MARLTON, NJ 8053
270 MAIN ST 23.7 miles
HARLEYSVILLE, PA 19438
979 N BLACK HORSE PIKE 23.8 miles
WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ 8094
1700 Horizon Dr, Suite 205 23.8 miles
Chalfont, PA 18914
1500 HORIZON DR STE 102 23.8 miles
CHALFONT, PA 18914
2966 STREET RD 23.9 miles
BENSALEM, PA 19020
1117 MEARNS RD 23.9 miles
WARMINSTER, PA 18974
345 Main Street, 23.9 miles
Harleysville, PA 19438
1235 Horseshoe Pike, 24.1 miles
Downingtown, PA 19335
412 Sicklerville Rd Ste 106, 24.2 miles
Sicklerville, NJ 8081
218A SUNSET RD 24.2 miles
WILLINGBORO, NJ 8046
A98 100 Omega Drive, 24.3 miles
Newark, DE 19713
15 OMEGA DR BLDG K 24.3 miles
NEWARK, DE 19713
524 WILLIAMSTOWN RD 24.4 miles
SICKLERVILLE, NJ 8081
201 REECEVILLE RD 24.7 miles
COATESVILLE, PA 19320
4318 ROUTE 130 24.8 miles
WILLINGBORO, NJ 8046
4623 OGLETOWN STANTON RD 100 24.8 miles
NEWARK, DE 19713
1000 OLDHAM CT 24.8 miles
BENSALEM, PA 19020
4110 OGLETOWN STANTON RD 24.9 miles
NEWARK, DE 19713
1432 EASTON RD STE 3C 24.9 miles
WARRINGTON, PA 18976
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Handy Resources
Comprehensive Online Resources for Drug Testing
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Provides comprehensive information on drug testing and its role in substance use disorder treatment.
- FDA: Drug Testing
Explains the FDA's role and regulations concerning drug testing for consumers.
- PDR.net
Provides detailed drug information and safety updates through a mobile-friendly platform.
- BeSafeRx - FDA
Resource by the FDA to help consumers identify and choose safe online pharmacies.
- SAMHSA: Drug Testing Resources for the Workplace
Resources and guidelines for drug testing in the workplace.
- Drugs.com
Provides drug information, side effects, and interactions for consumers and professionals.
- Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)
Online version of the DAST to help individuals assess whether they have a drug problem.
- Merck Manuals
Consumer-friendly medical resource providing comprehensive information on a wide array of health topics, including drug testing.
- SAMHSA Store
Provides access to resources and publications on substance use prevention and treatment.
- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
Information on state boards of pharmacy and regulations, including those related to drug testing.
- CDC: Workplace Health Promotion
CDC's resources on substance use and drug testing in the workplace.
- Mayo Clinic: Drug Testing
General information about the procedures and types of drug tests.
- MedlinePlus: Drug Testing
Offers information about various drug tests and their uses in medical diagnosis and treatment.
- University of Rochester Medical Center Health Encyclopedia
Provides a detailed entry on drug testing, including how tests are conducted and what they detect.
- World Health Organization (WHO)
International guidelines and information on public health, including substance abuse and drug testing.
- Healthline: Drug Testing
Consumer health site offering information on how drug tests work and what they look for.
- WebMD: Drug Testing
Provides a patient-oriented overview of drug testing and its purposes.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
Provides a vast database of scientific studies, including research on drug testing and its effectiveness.
AI Overview
Comprehensive Guide to Hair Follicle Drug Testing
Hair follicle drug testing is a sophisticated technique used to detect both illicit drug use and the misuse of prescription drugs over an extended period. This method of testing is favored for its ability to provide a detailed drug use history far beyond the capability of standard urine tests, which only capture drug use within days of consumption.
Understanding Hair Follicle Drug Testing
During a hair follicle drug test, a small sample of hair is collected, usually from the head. This sample is then analyzed to detect drug molecules and their metabolites that have been deposited into the hair from the bloodstream. Drugs that can be detected include but are not limited to cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and methamphetamine.
Key Applications
- Workplace Compliance: Employers often implement hair follicle testing to maintain a drug-free work environment, especially in industries where safety is paramount.
- Legal Evidence: In the legal arena, these tests can provide compelling evidence in cases such as custody disputes or driving under the influence (DUI) incidents.
- Substance Abuse Monitoring: Rehabilitation centers may utilize hair tests to monitor individuals over time, ensuring adherence to treatment programs.
Benefits of Hair Follicle Drug Testing
- Extended Window of Detection: Unlike other tests, hair follicle testing can detect drug use up to 90 days back, offering a long-range view into an individual's drug history.
- Low Risk of Tampering: Since hair samples are collected directly and observed, the risk of sample tampering is significantly reduced compared to other forms of testing.
- Less Invasive: Collecting hair is far less intrusive compared to blood tests, making it more comfortable for the individual being tested.
Limitations to Consider
Despite its advantages, hair follicle testing isn't without its challenges:
- Rate of Hair Growth: Variations in hair growth rates can affect the detection period, slightly complicating the interpretation of results.
- Environmental Contamination: In rare cases, drugs can be externally deposited onto the hair, although rigorous washing protocols before testing help mitigate this issue.
- Cultural Sensitivity: The need for a hair sample can pose dilemmas for individuals with cultural or religious practices affecting their hair.
Hair follicle drug testing stands out as a reliable method for analyzing long-term drug use. Its application spans various fields from corporate environments to legal settings, making it an indispensable tool for ensuring safety and compliance with drug policies.