Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Coaldale, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by holding biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. If collected near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and verification. For EtG, additional substances, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is favored. A jeweler’s scale is useful to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The procedure for processing drug test outcomes in a lab entails four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning starts with incorporating a sample into a lab’s system. This step checks that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performs extra data entry if not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary evaluation for substance abuse. Though Screening is economical for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive screen is required to be validated for legal purposes. Samples indicating possible positivity during Screening need additional validation.

If Screening indicates potential positivity, further hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at concentrations less than those used in other techniques like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening notably challenging.

Confirmatory tests for positive screening results are done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples presumed positive are pre-washed if necessary before confirmation. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests identify drug usage up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests with shorter detection periods.
• Difficulty to cheat: Cheating a hair drug test is very challenging, ensuring more accurate outcomes.
• Provides historical data: Offers a usage pattern over time rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs take 5-7 days to be traceable in hair.
• Cost: Hair drug testing costs more than alternative methods.
• Variations in results: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can impact drug metabolite concentration.

Note: Although called "hair follicle tests", the examination is of 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 Coaldale, PA

• Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing provides superior accuracy and reliability in detecting drug use. This testing method in Coaldale, PA, offers broader detection and can't be easily manipulated.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Coaldale, PA

• With the ability to identify drug use for up to 90 days, hair follicle testing offers employers in Coaldale, PA, a detailed understanding of an individual's substance history, surpassing other testing methods.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Coaldale, PA

• Hair follicle tests drastically minimize the chance of sample tampering, guaranteeing trustworthy and undeniable results in Coaldale, PA.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Coaldale, PA

• Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures straightforward, efficient, and uncomplicated access to testing services in Coaldale, PA.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Coaldale, PA

• The process for arranging, completing, and receiving test results is both straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns and ease of use in Coaldale, PA.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Coaldale, PA

• Our affordable pricing and quick result times offer substantial value and reassurance for businesses of all sizes in Coaldale, PA.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Coaldale, PA

• Hair follicle drug tests offer speed and precision, delivering results that you can trust. In Coaldale, PA, the high accuracy of these tests ensures that substance use is accurately detected.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Coaldale, PA

• Implementing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain drug-free workplace policies, decreasing legal liabilities and improving safety standards in Coaldale, PA.

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