Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Folsom, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive record of such substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can reveal up to a roughly three-month period of alcohol and drug use. This method is straightforward to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to send.

A strand sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, suitable for both screening and confirmation. For EtG testing, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t present, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other variants (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning includes entering a sample into a lab’s system. This process confirms that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplemental data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to eliminate drug use in most samples, any positive screen must be substantiated for it to be valid in court. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening need additional confirmation.

Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a substantially lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screen is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation, if necessary. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection window: Hair drug examinations can determine drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a briefer detection timeframe.
• Challenging to deceive: A hair drug test is extremely challenging to fraud, thus increasing result accuracy.
• Historical insight: It offers a record of drug use over time, rather than just recent patterns.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests often cost more than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Aspects like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can impact drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Despite commonly being termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is of the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests in Folsom, PA, the former showcases superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing's ability to detect drug use over extended periods provides employers with a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history, enhancing decision-making efficacy.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Folsom, PA, offers an extended detection window, identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This provides employers with a thorough evaluation of an individual's substance abuse record, which contributes significantly to informed hiring and monitoring processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Folsom, PA, hair follicle tests provide an almost tamper-proof solution for drug testing. The testing method significantly reduces the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring the delivery of trustworthy and definitive results for employers and other stakeholders.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Folsom, PA, benefits from convenient testing locations both locally and nationwide. Our strategically placed centers allow easy access to drug testing services, ensuring a hassle-free experience that meets the needs of individuals and employers alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Folsom, PA, the process of hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to obtaining results, we prioritize privacy and simplicity, addressing any concerns regarding ease of use and safeguarding personal information.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Folsom, PA, residents can expect competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing. This provides excellent value, supporting companies of all sizes with measurable financial savings and timely results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Folsom, PA, hair follicle drug tests offer exceptional precision and rapidity. Their accuracy surpasses traditional methods, capturing substance use with remarkable reliability. This ensures that both employers and regulatory bodies receive dependable outcomes, facilitating informed decision-making processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Folsom, PA benefit from hair follicle testing through enhanced compliance and peace of mind. By aligning with workplace drug-free policies, organizations can mitigate legal risks and improve work environment safety, ensuring operational continuity and security.

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