Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Albion, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a significant means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence by integrating biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage for up to around a 3-month period. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, supplemental, and/or tests extending beyond 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is suggested. We encourage using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When addressing head hair, we specify scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the preliminary step of incorporating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process verifies that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any additional data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary swift assessment for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

If a sample is identified as presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to conduct.

Validation of any positive screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples considered presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as warranted. Every part of the laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can detect drug usage for up to 90 days, compared to urine tests which have a shorter detection period.
• Difficulty to cheat: It is remarkably difficult to falsify a hair drug test, enhancing the accuracy of the results.
• Provides historical data: It can display a pattern of drug usage over time, rather than only recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: It requires approximately 5-7 days for drugs to be apparent in hair.
• Cost: Hair drug tests are typically more costly than alternative drug testing approaches.
• Variations in results: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Albion, PA, hair follicle testing outshines urine tests. Richer detection accuracy alongside its longer observation period make hair testing a superior choice. While urine tests are limited in timeframe, hair follicle tests present a comprehensive view of a person's substance use, thus offering a more reliable assessment for employers seeking a thorough evaluation of their candidates.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, up to 90 days, making it a valuable tool in Albion, PA. This method captures drug use history over a broader timeline compared to urine tests. Employers can thus gain a comprehensive understanding of an employee's or applicant's substance use history, aiding in informed decision-making processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Albion, PA significantly curtails the risk of sample adulteration. This ensures reliable and unassailable results, providing confidence to employers and other stakeholders that the outcomes are accurate and trustworthy, minimizing any potential manipulation of the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our nationwide testing centers, including in Albion, PA, offer unmatched convenience. With numerous local facilities, accessing drug testing services is simple and hassle-free. Clients benefit from the ability to undergo testing with ease, irrespective of their geographic location, ensuring timely and efficient results.

Simple, Confidential Process

The testing process in Albion, PA is simple and confidential. Ordering, undertaking, and receiving results are streamlined to prioritize ease and privacy, addressing any concerns about confidentiality. This meticulous approach guarantees a user-friendly experience for individuals undergoing hair follicle drug tests.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Albion, PA, we provide affordable pricing coupled with rapid turnaround times. Our competitive prices ensure exceptional value for companies of all sizes, while the prompt delivery of results offers reassurance and expeditious resolution for all testing requirements.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Albion, PA are renowned for their swift and precise results. Accuracy plays a crucial role in detecting substance use, making them a reliable option for assessing drug history. This high precision ensures that results are not only fast but also dependable, providing a trustworthy evaluation for all stakeholders involved.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employing hair follicle testing in Albion, PA grants compliance and peace of mind to employers. By promoting adherence to drug-free workplace policies, the method reduces legal risks while enhancing workplace safety, ensuring a harmonious and secure working environment for everyone involved.

Drug Testing Near Albion, PA

California, PA