Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Allport, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting substance use, offering an extended history of alcohol and drug intake through the entrapment of biomarkers within the hair fibers. By collecting hair near the root, one can achieve a detection reach of up to approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch lock of roughly 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. It's recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair is suitable for collection. The term head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The primary phases in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning marks the first phase, where a sample is integrated into the lab's system. This step entails confirming proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening delivers an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although screening is cost-effective, a positive screen needs confirmation for court admissibility. Samples deemed presumptively positive during screening must undergo confirmation.

For samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair, achieving lower concentrations than methodologies like urine or oral fluid testing, making hair drug testing the most challenging to conduct.

GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are used for confirming any positive Screen results. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. From start to finish, the lab process—from Accessioning to Confirmation—follows guidelines under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Tests can uncover drug use up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a briefer detection range.
• Hard to manipulate: It's incredibly challenging to cheat on a hair drug test, ensuring more trustworthy results.
• Yields historical usage patterns: It uncovers long-term substance use trends, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent intake: Drugs require about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically have a higher cost compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: Commonly mislabeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the scalp-based hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Allport, PA
Hair testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests: superior accuracy and reliability in substance detection. While urine tests remain standard, they can't match the hair test's ability to uncover a more extended history of drug use, providing a truer picture of an individual's habits.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Allport, PA explains the hair follicle test's unique ability to identify drug usage over a span of up to 90 days. This extended window gives employers a more comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history, making it an invaluable tool in vetting processes, where past usage patterns may affect future responsibilities.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Allport, PA proves that hair follicle tests drastically cut down the potential for sample corruption. The collection process is monitored, and the nature of the sample is inherently difficult to manipulate, ensuring that results are both trustworthy and beyond question, unlike some other testing methods that may be prone to tampering.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Allport, PA
Our strategically positioned testing facilities nationwide, including local centers in Allport, PA, offer unparalleled convenience. This extensive network ensures that drug testing services are readily accessible, simplifying the process for individuals and organizations alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Allport, PA clarifies that the procedure for ordering, executing, and receiving results from hair drug tests is straightforward and private. Concerns over privacy and simplicity are addressed, ensuring minimal hassle and high confidentiality for participants throughout the entirety of the testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Allport, PA emphasize the competitive rates and efficiency of hair follicle testing services. Our prompt result delivery offers excellent value and peace of mind, accommodating the budgets of businesses of all sizes without sacrificing quality or speed.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Allport, PA highlight why hair follicle tests are preferred due to their speed and precision in identifying substance abuse. These tests provide a higher accuracy rate, ensuring that detected results are reliable. Their rapid processing allows for quicker conclusions, aiding in timely decision-making for related cases.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Allport, PA solidifies the role of hair follicle testing in helping companies adhere to drug-free policies, thereby minimizing legal risks and bolstering safety in the workplace. This method of testing assures employers of maintaining a compliant and safe working environment.

Drug Testing Near Allport, PA

Croft, PA

Moshannon, PA

Osceola Mills, PA

Woodland, PA

South Philipsburg, PA

Bigler, PA

Grassflat, PA

North Philipsburg, PA

Philipsburg, PA

West Decatur, PA

Wallaceton, PA

Hawk Run, PA

Kylertown, PA

Morrisdale, PA

Morris, PA