Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lewisburg, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a record of alcohol and drug use over an extended period by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer an approximate detection span of three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) obtained nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the perfect quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or instances involving more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab processing of drug tests comprises four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. This process verifies whether the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. While it provides an economical method to rule out drug use for most samples, a positive Screening result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening need further verification.

Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at a lower concentration than in methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening especially challenging.

Any positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Prior to Confirmation, all presumptive positives are cleansed as required. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the entire laboratory process is performed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation with accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can uncover drug use for as long as 90 days, contrasting with urine tests that have a shorter detection period.
• Hard to falsify: The difficulty in tampering with hair drug tests increases result accuracy.
• Offers historical insights: It shows a chronic pattern of drug use over time, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after around 5-7 days.
• More costly: Hair drug tests generally cost more than other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentration.

Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", it’s the hair strand itself that is analyzed, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Lewisburg, PA, hair follicle testing provides superior advantages compared to traditional urine tests. This method offers enhanced detection accuracy due to the extended drug traceability in hair samples. Unlike urine tests, which can be compromised, hair testing remains consistent and reliable, ensuring clear results unaffected by short-term consumption variations.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Lewisburg, PA, provides an unparalleled detection window, identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This extensive period allows employers to effectively assess an individual's substance use history, offering more comprehensive insights compared to shorter-duration testing methods.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Lewisburg, PA, hair follicle tests are designed to significantly limit opportunities for tampering. By using hair samples, the susceptibility to adulteration commonly associated with other testing methods is minimized, guaranteeing reliable and incontestable results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous testing centers available nationwide, and in Lewisburg, PA, the accessibility of hair follicle testing is unmatched. Our extensive network ensures that individuals and businesses can quickly and conveniently access testing services without hassle.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process in Lewisburg, PA, for hair follicle testing is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to test-taking and receiving results, each step is designed to maintain privacy and simplicity, addressing any concerns about ease of use and confidentiality effectively.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Lewisburg, PA, our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing affordable for businesses of all sizes. Our commitment to value ensures that companies receive efficient results without compromising on cost or peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Lewisburg, PA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their quick, precise results. The process enables the rapid and reliable identification of substances, significantly outmatching other methods in speed and accuracy. By accurately detecting even trace amounts, hair testing offers robust insights, ensuring that results are both valid and trustworthy.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Lewisburg, PA, can achieve compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. It mitigates legal risks and promotes safety by providing reliable detection of substance use, enhancing the overall work environment.

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