Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Newry, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records an extended history of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair offers roughly a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch section of about 200 strands of hair (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is preferable. Using a jeweler's scale is advised for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean only scalp hair, and body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory process for analyzing a drug test result involves four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is integrated into a lab's system. This step entails confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody record.

Screening is a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening do require further confirmation.

If a sample shows a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most challenging method.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection period.
• Difficult to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is quite difficult, hence increasing result accuracy.
• Supplies historical insight: It shows a pattern of drug consumption over time, not just immediate use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent consumption: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to show up in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing generally costs more than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variation: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the levels of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", this test analyzes the hair strand itself and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing with urine testing, the advantages become clear in Newry, PA. Hair tests stand out due to their superior detection accuracy and extended detection period. These tests provide a more comprehensive analysis of an individual's drug use, making them more reliable than conventional urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

In Newry, PA, hair follicle tests are notable for their lengthy detection window, unearthed across a span of up to 90 days. This capability grants employers a detailed view of an applicant or employee's substance use history, offering a crucial advantage in understanding long-term behaviors.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Newry, PA, drastically diminish sample tampering risks, delivering authentic and undisputable results. Their nature ensures a more tamper-resistant method, reducing the chances of adulteration, a common concern with other testing forms.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our expansive network ensures testing is accessible and convenient, with numerous local and nationwide centers offering easy and stress-free testing solutions to Newry, PA residents. This vast selection of locations facilitates prompt and hassle-free tests.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Newry, PA, the hair follicle testing process maintains simplicity and confidentiality throughout. From test ordering to taking, and receiving results, discretion is prioritized, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use during all stages.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering both competitive pricing and rapid result delivery, Newry, PA stands to benefit from our affordable hair follicle testing solutions. These cost-effective services ensure companies of all sizes receive excellent value alongside peace of mind through fast turnarounds.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Achieving fast, precise, and reliable outcomes is critical in Newry, PA. Hair follicle drug tests excel in this regard, combining speed and accuracy to effectively identify substance use. Their precision ensures minimal errors, making them a preferred choice for many seeking trustworthy testing solutions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Newry, PA, gain substantial peace of mind through hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace goals. This method aligns with employment regulations, cutting legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, creating a more secure environment.

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