Hair Follicle Drug Testing - North Wales, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an impactful approach for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair carries a prolonged record of alcohol and substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When procured near the scalp, the hair can offer up to roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to gather, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect sample for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh is advisable. Should scalp hair be unobtainable, a proportional quantity of body hair can be gathered. We specify head hair as scalp hair exclusively, whereas body hair pertains to other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The core procedures in laboratory handling of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation stages.

Accessioning sets off the initial progression of a sample into the lab’s system, ensuring the sample's seal and shipment were intact, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening executes a preliminary swift analysis for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-savvy method to discard drug usage in the bulk of samples, positive screens necessitate confirmation for judicial validity. Samples that test presumptively positive through Screening demand a subsequent confirmation.

Once a specimen tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the main sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lesser concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug testing the most challenging technique to perform.

The Confirmation of any positive screen result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples testing presumptively positive are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug evaluations can identify drug consumption for up to 90 days, in comparison to urine evaluations which present a shorter detection timeframe.
• Hard to manipulate: It is notably challenging to manipulate a hair drug evaluation, enhancing the precision of results.
• Offers historical patterns: It delivers a history of drug consumption over a duration, rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent consumption: It takes an estimated 5-7 days for drugs to become observable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug evaluations generally cost more than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variances: Elements such as hair pigmentation and personal differences in hair development can influence the drug metabolite concentration within the hair strands.

Note: Despite frequently being labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in North Wales, PA is evident through several advantages.

• The longer detection window of hair testing offers superior accuracy compared to urine tests.
• With almost zero chance of sample tampering, this method provides reliable results.

Extended Detection Window

In North Wales, PA, the Extended Detection Window of hair follicle testing offers significant benefits.

• Employers gain a broader understanding of an individual’s drug history, as the test covers up to 90 days of substance use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The Tamper-Resistant Testing Method provided by hair follicle tests in North Wales, PA, greatly reduces the chance of sample manipulation.

• This testing method ensures credible and decisive results, maintaining the integrity of the process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

The convenience of our Nationwide Testing Locations, including local centers in North Wales, PA, highlights the accessibility of our services.

• With numerous centers available, accessing drug testing services becomes a straightforward process for individuals and employers alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in North Wales, PA ensures privacy and ease of use for individuals undergoing hair follicle testing.

• The straightforward ordering, collection, and results receiving process caters to privacy concerns and user-friendliness.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in North Wales, PA reflects our dedication to value and efficiency.

• Our competitive pricing and swift results offer excellent value, giving companies peace of mind without compromising their budget.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in North Wales, PA can be attributed to the efficiency of hair follicle drug tests.

• These tests not only deliver rapid results but also ensure high accuracy in substance detection.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in North Wales, PA is achieved through hair follicle testing.

• By adhering to drug-free workplace policies, companies mitigate legal risks and enhance safety.

Drug Testing Near North Wales, PA

Chalfont, PA

Maple Glen, PA

East Norriton, PA

Blue Bell, PA

Brittany Farms-Highlands, PA

Hatfield, PA

Ambler, PA

Prospectville, PA

Worcester, PA

Kulpsville, PA

Center Square, PA

Spring House, PA

Montgomeryville, PA

Lansdale, PA

Gwynedd Valley, PA