Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Edinboro, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives a historical record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. Hair, when gathered near the scalp, can offer a detection timeframe of up to about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to send.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hairs (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and validation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a collection of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab processing of a drug testing result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the preliminary entry of a sample into the lab system. This phase ensures that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data recording not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as an initial inspection for illicit drugs. Though Screening presents an economical approach to identify drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be admissible in legal proceedings. All samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening must undergo further confirmation.

If Screening indicates a presumptive positive result, additional hair from the original sample is used for Extraction. In this phase, drug extraction occurs at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis particularly challenging to execute.

Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair direction and meets ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests reveal drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter detection windows.
• High resistance to tampering: Cheating a hair drug test is highly challenging, yielding more reliable outcomes.
• Offers usage trends: It unveils a drug use pattern over time, not merely over recent usage.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent consumption: A 5-7 day period is required before drugs become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are generally costlier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth differences can alter the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test specifically examines the hair strand, not the scalp's hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Choose Hair Over Urine Tests in Edinboro, PA

• Hair follicle drug testing surpasses traditional urine tests in Edinboro due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability.
• Employers and authorities find hair tests provide a more comprehensive picture of past substance use compared to the limited scope of urine tests.
• Ultimately, hair tests are less prone to manipulation, offering a trustworthy alternative to more conventional testing options.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Edinboro, PA

• Hair follicle tests grant a 90-day retrospective view of substance use, offering a broader understanding of an individual’s history.
• For employers, this long detection window provides a thorough examination of employee substance habits, beyond the reach of conventional methods.
• Extensive detection capabilities enable more informed decisions when evaluating a potential hire's substance history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Reliable Tamper-Proof Testing in Edinboro, PA

• The use of hair follicle tests lowers the risk of sample tampering, enhancing result integrity.
• The rigorous process of sample collection under supervision prevents adulteration, ensuring that results remain indisputable.
• Utilizing this testing method reinforces confidence in drug testing outcomes, minimizing disputes about authenticity and accuracy.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accessible Testing Locations Across Edinboro, PA

• Our nationwide testing centers mean easy and swift access to drug testing services, eliminating hassle.
• In Edinboro, local centers ensure convenience for personal and professional testing needs.
• A wide network simplifies the testing process, making compliance and substance use awareness more practical for all involved.

Simple, Confidential Process

Effortless and Confidential Testing Process in Edinboro, PA

• The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair test results is simple, maintaining confidentiality throughout.
• Concerns about privacy are addressed through secure, discreet testing procedures, respected at all stages.
• Streamlining the process of hair testing results in reduced anxiety about privacy, encouraging smoother engagement in necessary testing.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Cost-effective Pricing and Swift Turnaround in Edinboro, PA

• Our competitive pricing structures ensure great value for comprehensive drug testing services.
• Companies of any size benefit from our affordable costs and rapid results, reinforcing confidence and efficiency.
• Timeliness and budget-friendly options support broader accessibility to effective testing solutions across industries.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Quick and Precise Outcomes in Edinboro, PA

• The speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched in Edinboro. These tests provide high accuracy levels, effectively identifying substance use.
• The method ensures that results are both fast and reliable, presenting a significant advantage for urgent situations.
• Employing advanced technology, hair tests are capable of high detection rates, supporting dependable substance use reporting.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Assured Compliance and Employer Confidence in Edinboro, PA

• Hair follicle testing enables adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal liabilities.
• Employers gain peace of mind, knowing they’ve implemented a reliable testing method that enhances workplace safety.
• By consistently using hair tests, companies support positive work environments through sustained compliance and effective regulation.

Drug Testing Near Edinboro, PA

Avonia, PA

Springboro, PA

Girard, PA

Platea, PA

Cranesville, PA

Saegertown, PA

Waterford, PA

Woodcock, PA

Middleboro, PA

Cambridge, PA

Cambridge Springs, PA