Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Fort Indiantown Gap, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol usage. It reflects a prolonged history of substance involvement by embedding biomarkers in the strands of emerging hair. When hair is sourced from near the scalp, it can offer a detection time frame of up to three months for drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, altering it is challenging, and it is conveniently shipped.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional substances, and tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. The term ‘head hair’ specifically denotes scalp hair, while ‘body hair’ encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Outline

There are four primary stages in the laboratory processing of drug test samples: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves enrolling a sample into the laboratory’s system initially. This step ensures the sample is sealed and dispatched correctly, associates it with a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and supplements any missing data from an electronic record management system.

Screening includes an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive outcome requires verification before being accepted in legal settings. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening need subsequent confirmation.

When a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), rendering hair drug screening as the most complex procedure.

Positive results from screening are confirmed utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive outcomes undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug evaluations can reveal drug use for as long as 90 days, whereas urine evaluations have a briefer detection span.
• Challenging to circumvent: Cheating a hair drug evaluation is notably difficult, thus enhancing result accuracy.
• Delivers historical insight: It furnishes a record of drug use over a duration, not merely recent use.

Drawbacks:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: There’s a delay of 5-7 days before drugs can be identified in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug evaluations tend to be more costly compared to other drug evaluation methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair hue and personal differences in hair growth can impact metabolite concentration within hair.

Note: Though termed “hair follicle tests”, the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle and urine drug tests in Fort Indiantown Gap, PA, hair testing emerges superior in detection. With its robust accuracy and reliability, hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering comprehensive insights.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle tests, reaching up to 90 days, provides Fort Indiantown Gap, PA employers a detailed overview of an individual's drug use history, ensuring informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

With hair follicle testing in Fort Indiantown Gap, PA, sample integrity remains uncompromised. The method significantly lowers the chances of tampering, guaranteeing trustworthy results that leave no room for doubt.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

The convenience of nationwide testing centers, including those in Fort Indiantown Gap, PA, ensures accessibility to hassle-free services. Quick and straightforward testing accommodates various needs with ease.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Fort Indiantown Gap, PA is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the protocol addresses privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use for all parties involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Fort Indiantown Gap, PA businesses enjoy competitive pricing and swift turnaround times with hair follicle testing. This approach provides cost-effective solutions, adding value and peace of mind for companies.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Fort Indiantown Gap, PA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their accuracy and speed in identifying substance use. Results are fast and precise, making them a reliable choice for rapid and dependable drug screening.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Fort Indiantown Gap, PA benefit from hair follicle testing by achieving compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This reduces potential legal issues and boosts workplace safety and confidence.

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