Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Dunmore, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer about a 3-month window of detection for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (about the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be taken. When specifying head hair, this refers to scalp hair solely. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample into the lab's system. It involves verifying that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry otherwise absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drug substances. While Screening is a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage on most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in court. Samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a secondary validation process.

If a specimen tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging methodology to undertake.

Confirmation for any positive screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumptively positive are washed prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation in accordance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection period.
• Resistance to tampering: Cheating a hair drug test is quite difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Tracks historical data: It captures patterns of drug use over time, not just recent instances.

Limitations:

• Lacks recent use detection: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Higher cost: Hair drug tests tend to be more costly than other drug testing approaches.
• Result variations: Aspects like hair color and personal hair growth differences can affect drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle tests excel over traditional urine testing in Dunmore, PA, offering more precise detection. Unlike urine tests, which may only detect recent use, hair tests have a longer detection window of up to 90 days, portraying an in-depth overview of usage patterns. This makes hair testing the preferred choice for employers and entities requiring robust drug-free policies.

Extended Detection Window

One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Dunmore, PA is its extended detection window. Unlike traditional methods, hair tests can trace drug use for up to 90 days. This prolonged detection period provides employers with a well-rounded insight into an individual’s substance history, assisting in informed decision-making processes regarding hiring and workplace safety.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Utilizing hair follicle testing in Dunmore, PA substantially minimizes the risk of sample tampering. The robustness of this method ensures the reliability of results and greatly reduces the potential for adulteration, common with other testing types. Organizations can depend on these tests to deliver undeniable and trustworthy outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers a network of convenient testing locations in Dunmore, PA, and nationwide. Whether local or afar, individuals benefit from easy access and hassle-free service across a multitude of centers. This widespread availability ensures you can quickly and efficiently undertake necessary testing procedures without delay.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Dunmore, PA is crafted for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering tests to collecting samples and retrieving results, every step is designed with user privacy in mind. Such seamless procedures alleviate concerns about integrity and ease, making the testing experience straightforward for all involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Dunmore, PA, hair follicle testing is offered at affordable rates with swift result delivery. Competitive pricing combined with rapid turnaround times makes this testing option appealing for businesses of any size. It's a cost-effective solution ensuring companies receive valuable insights without breaking their budget.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle testing in Dunmore, PA offers not only accuracy but also rapid results. Precision and swiftness are at the forefront of hair tests, ensuring that any substance use is detected reliably. The methodology provides superior detection compared to other testing forms, delivering results that are trusted and conclusive. Both individuals and organizations can rely on these tests for accurate outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing provides peace of mind for employers in Dunmore, PA, ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies. By employing this method, companies guarantee compliance, reduce potential legal risks, and foster a safer work environment. When it comes to enforcing stringent safety regulations, hair testing stands out as a preferred option.

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