Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Hermitage, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair examinations have gained prominence as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug exposure by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use within a timeline of up to roughly three months. The process is uncomplicated, with challenges in adulteration, and straightforward for shipping.

A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or drugs over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is recommended. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair forms (like facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

An analysis in the lab for a drug test follows four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning constitutes the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab system. This encompasses checking that the sample remained sealed and correctly dispatched, attributing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data entry not accounted for by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening represents an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening offers an economical approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive result must be validated for legal acceptability. Samples preliminarily positive during Screening require further confirmation.

Should a sample show presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.

Positive screen confirmations occur via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing preliminary positivity are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The overall lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug assessments can reveal drug use for a duration of up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter detection span of urine tests.
• Hard to manipulate: It is extremely challenging to tamper with a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Revives historical usage: It provides insights into drug use over time, as opposed to recent usage alone.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent usage: Drugs need around 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug examinations typically incur higher costs than other testing methods.
• Result variations: Attributes such as hair color and personal hair growth differences can alter drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: While often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hermitage, PA Hair follicle testing offers superior benefits over urine tests, including increased detection accuracy and reliability. Compared to urine tests, hair testing can detect drugs over a broader timeframe, providing a more comprehensive picture of usage.

The efficacy of hair testing lies in its extended detection period, as opposed to the shorter window that urine tests offer. This makes hair follicle tests the preferred option for those seeking robust testing solutions.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Hermitage, PA One of the distinguishing benefits of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended duration of up to 90 days. This feature provides employers with a detailed view of an individual's substance history.

Employers seeking a historical perspective on substance use will find hair follicle testing advantageous. The extensive detection window allows for a comprehensive evaluation of both current and potential employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hermitage, PA Hair follicle tests are inherently resistant to tampering, which significantly reduces risks of sample adulteration. The testing process ensures results are trustworthy and incontestable.

With reduced risk of tampering, hair testing guarantees that outcomes remain consistent and credible. Employers can count on these tests to deliver results that are both reliable and unquestionable, enhancing integrity and compliance with testing protocols.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hermitage, PA Our extensive network of testing facilities nationwide ensures easy and hassle-free access to drug testing services. Hermitage residents benefit from quick access, making the testing process seamless and efficient.

The convenience of numerous accessible locations translates to faster service and reduced waiting times, allowing individuals and employers to manage their testing needs without unnecessary delays or complications.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Hermitage, PA The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential. We prioritize privacy, making the entire procedure user-friendly and secure.

Clients can effortlessly request tests while being assured of confidentiality throughout the entire process. This approach ensures that privacy concerns are addressed, making the testing experience convenient and stress-free.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hermitage, PA Accredited Drug Testing provides competitively priced hair follicle tests with quick turnaround times. This combination delivers substantial value and assurance for companies of every size.

Our cost-effective pricing models, coupled with speedy result processing, ensure businesses receive excellent service without incurring excessive expenses. This positions us as a cost-effective choice for comprehensive drug testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hermitage, PA Hair follicle drug tests in Hermitage provide remarkable precision and efficiency in detecting substance use. By efficiently identifying the presence of drugs, these tests offer unparalleled accuracy, making them an invaluable tool for employers and organizations needing reliable drug testing results.

Testing methods utilized promise swift and precise outcomes, ensuring that results received reflect high levels of accuracy. This facilitates better decision-making for employers who depend on these tests for substance detection.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hermitage, PA Utilizing hair follicle testing allows employers to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thus minimizing legal liabilities. This contributes to a safer and more secure work environment.

Hair follicle tests not only assure compliance but also offer peace of mind by ensuring that workplaces adhere to established drug policies. This proactive approach reduces risks and upholds a commitment to safety.

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