Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Kennett Square, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair screening has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the hair that is growing, offering a prolonged history of drug and alcohol usage. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to around a 3-month detection window for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, perfect for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 panel tests, 150mg of the hair sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. When we mention head hair, it strictly refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result entails four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is integrated into the laboratory’s system. This phase verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical means to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be eligible in court. Samples that return presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

Should a sample show a presumptive positive in Screening, further hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. At this point, drugs are isolated from the hair at reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to implement.

Positive screening results must undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. Every step in the laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the oversight of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection period.
• Hard to deceive: Hair drug tests are extremely hard to cheat, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical insight: It offers a timeline of drug use over time, not just recent activities.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs require approximately 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other methods of drug testing.
• Inconsistent results: Factors like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination actually analyzes the hair itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair testing in Kennett Square, PA, outshines urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities. By analyzing the hair shaft, drugs are detectable for a longer span than in urine samples.

The reliability of hair follicle testing is evident in its resistance to tampering, providing clearer insights into an individual's substance use history. For employers and courts, this offers an invaluable assurance of test integrity.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing offers a longer detection window in Kennett Square, PA, sensing drug use up to 90 days before testing. This extended period surpasses the traditional urine test time frame.

Employers favor this method as it gives a broader view of an individual's drug use history, contributing to informed decisions whether for hiring or monitoring employee safety and policy adherence.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant solution when compared to other testing methods. In Kennett Square, PA, this method offers reliable results with minimal risk of sample adulteration.

Employers, courts, and individuals benefit from the test’s design, which is difficult to cheat. This reliability ensures that results reflect true substance use patterns, instilling confidence in the findings.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our testing centers' nationwide presence, including local options in Kennett Square, PA, makes accessing our services quite straightforward. The ease of reaching our facilities ensures a hassle-free testing experience.

These conveniently located centers support those needing swift and accessible drug testing services, ensuring they receive the necessary assessments without delay or inconvenience.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Kennett Square, PA, the process for hair follicle testing is designed to be straightforward and private. Ordering and undergoing the test is simple, and confidentiality is guaranteed throughout.

Results are communicated discreetly, addressing any concerns about privacy while offering ease at every stage of testing. Users can rest assured of their information's security and the test’s convenience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

With competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, our hair follicle testing in Kennett Square, PA, offers excellent value for businesses of any size. Clients benefit from both cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

Quick results do not come at the expense of accuracy, ensuring companies receive dependable assessments that align with their fiscal constraints yet meet their testing needs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug test stands out for its precision and speed, offering reliable results swiftly. With heightened accuracy in substance detection, it guarantees accurate assessments of drug use, making it a preferred choice in Kennett Square, PA.

Employers and individuals benefit from the efficient processing of hair tests, ensuring quick turnaround times without compromising on reliability. The confidence in test results provides peace of mind when evaluating substance use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Kennett Square, PA, hair follicle testing brings compliance and assurance by aligning with drug-free workplace policies. This reduces potential legal troubles significantly.

The effectiveness of these tests enhances workplace safety, giving employers peace of mind that they are compliant with regulations and sustaining a safe environment for all employees.

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