Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Paxtonia, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by storing biomarkers inside its fibers as it grows. When samples are taken near the scalp, hair can reveal a 3-month usage timeline for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to gather, less prone to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hairs (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp amounts to 100mg, which is the optimum sample for testing and validation. For EtG, add-ons, or inspections that exceed 10 panels, 150mg is advised. The specimen can be weighed with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be used, a comparable amount of body hair is permissible. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab processing for drug testing comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial sample handling within the laboratory's system. This process checks that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any data entry that's absent from an electronic chain of custody record.

Screening provides a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers an economical method to eliminate drug use from most samples, any positive results must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Presumptive positives through Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.

In the Screening process, if a sample tests presumptively positive, additional hair from the original sample is set aside for Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), highlighting that hair drug testing is a more complex procedure.

Confirmation of any positive screen is performed using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation standards and the accreditation for ISO / IEC 17025.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests detect drug use for as long as 90 days, which is longer than the window urine tests provide.
• Hard to deceive: Cheating on a hair drug test is exceedingly challenging, increasing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: It reveals a pattern of substance use over time rather than just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Doesn't identify recent use: Detection in hair takes about 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug screenings typically cost more than alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Different factors like hair color and individual growth rates can influence drug metabolite levels found in hair.

Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", this test assesses 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 Paxtonia, PA

• The precision and consistency of hair testing surpass conventional urine examinations.
• Elevated detection accuracy showcases its reliability for uncovering substance abuse.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Paxtonia, PA

• Hair tests offer detection up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive view of substance use history.
• This extended window aids employers in assessing candidates and employee drug use patterns.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Paxtonia, PA

• Hair follicle tests drastically minimize sample tampering or adulteration risks.
• Such reliability ensures trustworthy results and fortifies the testing credibility.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Paxtonia, PA

• The extensive network of testing centers facilitates seamless access to services.
• Effortless and prompt testing arrangements simplify the overall process.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Paxtonia, PA

• Our straightforward, confidential procedure reassures privacy and ease, from ordering to results.
• It addresses any concerns regarding user confidentiality and ease of access.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Paxtonia, PA

• Competitive pricing paired with rapid result times offers optimal value.
• Companies, regardless of size, benefit from cost-effectiveness and timely data.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Paxtonia, PA

• Hair follicle drug tests excel with their swift and precise detection of substance use.
• Their ability to provide fast and trustworthy results sets them apart from traditional testing methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Paxtonia, PA

• Hair testing supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal fallout.
• This enhances workplace security, offering assurance to employers.

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