Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Camp Hill, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective method to identify alcohol and drug use. Hair strands capture biomarkers within the fibers, offering an extensive history of substance usage. When sourced near the scalp, hair samples provide an approximate detection period of up to 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair samples is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands, equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil, when taken nearest to the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both preliminary and confirmatory screening. For EtG, additional analyses, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to utilize a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

There are four primary stages in the lab processing of drug test outcomes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid check for substances of abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-effective method to dismiss drug usage in most cases, confirming a positive screen is essential for court admissibility. Any samples yielding a presumptively positive result in Screening require a secondary Confirmation.

If a sample screens presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than those in urine or oral fluid methods, making hair drug tests the most challenging to conduct.

Positive screening results are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing as warranted prior to Confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can trace drug usage up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection timeframe.
• Resistance to tampering: Hair drug tests are hard to deceive, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical substance use data: They reveal usage patterns spanning a prolonged duration, rather than only recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Drugs require approximately 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests are costlier than alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Variables such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentration within hair.

Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Camp Hill, PA
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and dependability. Unlike urine tests that detect recent drug use, hair sampling reveals a comprehensive history over several months. This enhanced accuracy is vital for employers and legal entities in Camp Hill, PA, seeking precise insights into long-term substance use patterns.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Camp Hill, PA
One of the primary advantages of hair follicle testing lies in its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days. This offers employers in Camp Hill, PA, a thorough overview of a candidate or employee's substance history, providing crucial insights that aid in making informed employment decisions, especially for positions requiring reliability and safety.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Camp Hill, PA
The hair follicle test is a robust method that significantly curtails the possibility of sample tampering or adulteration. As the hair sample collection process is observed, it's virtually impossible to alter the sample, ensuring credible and undisputed results for individuals and organizations in Camp Hill, PA, who prioritize integrity in drug testing procedures.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Camp Hill, PA
With a network of testing centers nationwide, including in Camp Hill, PA, hair follicle drug testing is easily accessible. This wide reach ensures that individuals and businesses can conveniently obtain necessary testing services without hassle, meeting personal and organizational needs promptly and efficiently across various locations.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Camp Hill, PA
The process for hair follicle testing is streamlined, ensuring simplicity and confidentiality. Individuals in Camp Hill, PA, can order, participate in sampling, and receive results with ease. This straightforward approach respects privacy concerns and facilitates worry-free engagement with comprehensive testing services available locally.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Camp Hill, PA
Offering competitive pricing and rapid results, hair follicle testing provides excellent value for businesses of all sizes in Camp Hill, PA. This affordability, combined with swift service, assures companies of a cost-effective solution for maintaining compliance and the well-being of their workforce, supporting timely decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Camp Hill, PA
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their high precision and efficiency. By analyzing hair samples, these tests yield accurate results regarding substance use. The speed and reliability of hair follicle testing make it a preferred choice, allowing for timely decisions based on confirmed findings, ensuring that individuals and organizations in Camp Hill, PA, can trust the outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Camp Hill, PA
Employers aiming for a drug-free workplace can rely on hair follicle testing to enhance compliance with drug policies. In Camp Hill, PA, this testing method reduces legal risks and elevates workplace safety, proving indispensable for businesses committed to upholding rigorous standards of safety and conduct in their professional environments.

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