Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Flourtown, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a historical account of alcohol and drug use by ensnaring biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 90-day detection span for substances. The collection process for hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional substances, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable volume of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The sequence for processing a drug test outcome in a lab consists of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the initial handling of a sample within the lab's framework. This pertains to the verification that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not included in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves an initial quick check for substances of abuse. Screening is an efficient way to rule out substance use on most samples, but a positive outcome requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples that show a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

If a sample turns out presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are drawn from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug analyses can detect drug usage for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine analyses that have a more limited detection timeframe.
• Challenging to falsify: It is quite challenging to falsify a hair drug test, enhancing the reliability of the outcomes.
• Offers historical insights: It can offer a trend of substance usage over time, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent use: It takes roughly 5-7 days for substances to be traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug analyses are typically pricier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can impact the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually evaluates the hair strand instead of the scalp's hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Flourtown, PA, surpasses traditional urine testing due to its exceptional accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis detects drug use over an extended period, providing a more comprehensive view of substance history. This makes it a preferred method for zero-tolerance employers.

The accuracy of hair testing is a major advantage, as it reduces the chance of false negatives or positives. It provides clearer insights into long-term drug use, making it a superior option for consistent policy enforcement compared to urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

In Flourtown, PA, hair follicle testing stands out for its ability to detect drug usage over a considerable period—up to 90 days. This provides employers with an expansive view of an individual's long-term drug use habits, enhancing decision-making processes in hiring and maintaining a drug-free workplace.

This prolonged detection window offers a significant advantage for businesses, as it helps identify chronic substance use which could impact an employee's performance or pose safety risks.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Flourtown, PA, significantly reduces the risk of tampering, providing trustworthy results. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests are difficult to adulterate, ensuring authenticity and enhancing confidence in the screening process.

This method's robustness against manipulation makes it an invaluable tool for employers seeking reliable data free from the possibility of compromise. Its tamper-resistant nature is crucial for maintaining integrity and policy enforcement.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With effortlessly accessible testing centers both nationwide and locally in Flourtown, PA, drug testing services are convenient. We provide easy access to tests, ensuring a smooth process for employers and individuals. Our broad location network simplifies drug testing needs.

An extensive network of facilities guarantees seamless testing logistics, catering to diverse client requirements promptly and efficiently. Local availability streamlines the testing process, enhancing convenience.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our procedures in Flourtown, PA, prioritize simplicity and confidentiality for drug testing. Ordering, executing, and receiving test results are streamlined to ensure privacy and ease, addressing potential client concerns with transparency and efficiency.

We uphold confidentiality while guaranteeing a hassle-free experience from start to finish. Clients can trust a straightforward process that respects privacy at every stage, reinforcing our commitment to exceptional service.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Flourtown, PA, our competitive pricing for hair follicle testing ensures excellent value with fast result turnaround times. Organizations of varying sizes can confidently budget for effective drug testing without financial strain.

Our affordable rates do not compromise on quality, offering quick and accurate outcomes. We strive to balance cost-efficiency with superior service, making reliable drug testing accessible to all businesses.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Flourtown, PA, hair follicle drug tests offer swift, precise, and dependable results. The accuracy of these tests in identifying substance use is unrivaled, making them an optimal choice for many organizations. Results are generated quickly, ensuring prompt decisions and maintaining workplace integrity.

Employers benefit from rapid and accurate data, ensuring policies and decisions are based on solid evidence. Using hair testing accelerates the drug screening process, reassuring companies about their employees' adherence to drug-free standards.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Flourtown, PA, hair follicle testing supports workplace drug-free policies, diminishing legal concerns and promoting safety. Employers gain confidence in policy adherence through reliable testing, contributing to a more secure and compliant work environment.

By choosing hair testing, companies ensure consistent compliance with regulations, safeguarding against legal issues stemming from failed drug-free workplace enforcement. It’s a prudent choice for peace of mind.

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