Hair Follicle Drug Testing - East Stroudsburg, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is often considered a robust approach for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. It offers an extensive history of usage by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal substance usage for up to about three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A specimen consisting of a 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) positioned nearest to the scalp will yield around 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair be unobtainable, an equivalent volume of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This process includes verifying sample seal and shipment integrity, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary additional data entry not present with an electronic chain of custody protocol.

Screening involves a preliminary assessment for illegal drug use. While Screening efficiently rules out substance usage for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test positive during Screening undergo a secondary validation.

In the event of a positive Screening finding, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which is why hair drug screening is particularly challenging.

Confirmation of any positive preliminary result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process, ranging from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited according to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair tests can trace drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter timeframe.
• Resistance to evasion: Tampering with a hair test is exceedingly difficult, ensuring greater accuracy of results.
• Historical usage data: Hair tests can illustrate drug usage patterns over time rather than only recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: It generally takes 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair tests tend to be pricier compared to other drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Factors such as individual hair color and growth rate can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In East Stroudsburg, PA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in terms of detection and reliability. With a longer detection window, hair testing provides a clearer view of an individual's drug history.

Compared to traditional urine tests, hair tests offer superior accuracy, reducing the chances of false negatives. This makes them an ideal choice for organizations wanting stringent drug testing policies.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in East Stroudsburg, PA offers an extended detection period, capturing drug use for up to 90 days. This is invaluable for employers seeking comprehensive insights into an individual's substance use over time.

The lengthy detection window provides employers with a detailed view of an applicant's drug history, helping make informed hiring decisions and ensuring workplace safety.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In East Stroudsburg, hair follicle tests are an uncompromising solution against sample adulteration. This testing approach assures reliable and unquestionable results due to the minimized risk of tampering.

The integrity of hair testing is a key advantage, ensuring that the results accurately reflect the individual’s substance use, thereby maintaining higher standards of testing reliability.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

East Stroudsburg, PA, benefits from the convenience of nationwide testing centers. These facilities ensure quick and seamless access to drug testing services, reducing hassles for both companies and individuals.

The local presence of testing sites in East Stroudsburg allows easy access, ensuring that drug testing is both efficient and convenient for all participants.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in East Stroudsburg, PA, is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are streamlined to address privacy concerns and ease of use, ensuring a stress-free experience.

Confidentiality is paramount, and our procedures respect individuals' privacy, providing complete assurance in the testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Businesses in East Stroudsburg, PA, can rely on the affordable pricing and swift turnaround of hair follicle testing, offering excellent value for organizations of all sizes.

Competitive pricing ensures companies can maintain drug-free policies without financial strain. The fast turnaround delivers peace of mind, knowing results arrive promptly and accurately.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug test stands out for its speed and accuracy in East Stroudsburg, PA. Its precision ensures high confidence in substance detection, making it a preferred choice for quick and reliable results.

Employers in East Stroudsburg benefit from the hair test's efficiency, offering seamless processes from collection to reporting. This testing method's accuracy ensures trust in the results, vital for maintaining workplace policies.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in East Stroudsburg, hair follicle testing assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This rigorous method minimizes legal risks while boosting safety standards at work.

By adopting hair tests, companies reinforce their commitment to a sober environment, promoting peace of mind for both employers and employees.

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