Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Allison Park, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers in the strands as hair grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 90-day detection period for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil), taken nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or assays exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key stages in the laboratory evaluation of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a lab system. This phase confirms the sample's proper sealing and transport, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers an economical method to dertermine drug absence in most samples, a positive result must be corroborated for legal acceptability. Samples with a presumed positive result in Screening require additional confirmation.

In instances where a Screening stage result is presumed positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to execute.

Verification of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive outcomes are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug assays can detect drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection period.
• Difficult to undermine: It is exceedingly hard to manipulate a hair drug assay, yielding more reliable results.
• Historical usage data: It provides a timeline of drug usage, not just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent usage: It requires around 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug assays are typically more costly than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and differences in hair development can impact the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

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

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Testing in Allison Park, PA
Hair follicle tests offer distinct advantages over urine tests. With superior detection accuracy and reliability, employers choose hair tests for stringent drug policies. Hair testing identifies substance use over longer periods, providing comprehensive data that urine tests sometimes miss, ensuring greater reliability.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Allison Park, PA
Hair follicle testing is unparalleled in its ability to detect drug use over lengthy durations, up to 90 days. This extensive window allows employers and authorities to gain a detailed insight into an individual's drug history, unlike the limited periods detected by urine tests.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Allison Park, PA
The robustness of hair follicle testing substantially lowers the chance of sample tampering. Collected under supervision, the results are reliable and hard to question, offering superior security against adulteration, thus ensuring trusted outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in Allison Park, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide guarantees quick and convenient access to hair follicle drug testing services with ease, reducing hassle and ensuring smooth processes for all clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple and Confidential Process in Allison Park, PA
The hair follicle drug testing process is straightforward and private. From ordering to receiving results, every step safeguards your confidentiality and ensures ease of use, addressing any privacy concerns efficiently.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Allison Park, PA
With competitive pricing and quick result processing, our services deliver excellent value and reassurance to businesses of every size, ensuring they receive efficient and cost-effective drug testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Swift and Precise Outcomes in Allison Park, PA
Hair follicle drug tests provide fast and accurate results, making them an ideal choice for detecting substance use. This method's precision ensures that results reflect true substance history, without the guesswork involved in other tests. Reliable detection underscores the trust professionals place in this method nationwide.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Allison Park, PA
Hair follicle testing helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, alleviating legal liabilities, and fostering a safer working environment. This method supports companies in upholding rigorous safety standards.

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