Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Pennsburg, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly acknowledged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a long-term record by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand’s growing fibers. A sample taken near the scalp can reveal alcohol and other drug use for approximately three months. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to send.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil in diameter) cut near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, additional panels, or those exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing is recommended. If there is no scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types, like facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The process of analyzing a drug test involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step where the sample is processed into the lab’s system. This entails checking if the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary check to identify drug abuse. While Screening is economical and effectively discounts drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal validity. Samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening must undergo further confirmation.

In Screening’s case of presumptive positive, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample for Extraction preparation. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis particularly challenging.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter detection periods.
• Hard to manipulate: It's very challenging to cheat a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Delivers historical insight: It reflects a timeline of drug consumption, not just recent activity.

Drawbacks:

• Unable to perceive recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs than other methods.
• Variability in outcomes: Aspects like hair color and individual growth rates can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Despite commonly being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing holds several advantages over conventional urine tests in Pennsburg, PA. Foremost is its superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis unveils a broader spectrum of drug use over a prolonged period, delivering a robust assessment of an individual's drug history. This feature makes it a highly-reliable option for employers and other entities.

The ability of hair tests to uncover drug use over a span extending up to 90 days contrasts sharply with the shorter detection times typical of urine tests. Enhanced by meticulous collection methods, hair testing effectively mitigates the risks of tampering and sample adulteration that urine samples can face, ensuring reliable outcomes.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Pennsburg, PA, is a sought-after method due to its extended detection window of up to 90 days. Employers benefit from this prolonged period, providing a detailed view of an applicant or employee's substance usage habits over months, rather than the limited snapshot presented by other methods.

This broad detection range delivered by hair testing provides thorough insights and supports informed decisions. By presenting a comprehensive history of substance use, employers gain a valuable tool in assessing potential risks associated with hiring or continuing employment, fostering a safer workplace environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant method for drug testing in Pennsburg, PA. Unlike other testing approaches, the collection and analysis of hair samples significantly reduce the chances of adulteration or sample tampering, leading to more reliable findings that are difficult to dispute.

By embracing hair testing, stakeholders can be confident in the authenticity of the results. This sample integrity assures entities like employers and legal professionals that the drug test reflects true substance use patterns, aligning with the need for trustworthy outcomes in regulatory and workplace compliance.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers the convenience of nationwide testing centers including local facilities in Pennsburg, PA. The ease of access to testing services allows swift and hassle-free scheduling for hair follicle drug tests, meeting the demands of individuals and organizations seeking comprehensive testing solutions.

• Local availability ensures minimal disruption and prompt service, catering to various testing requirements in a timely fashion.

Our network of testing centers across the country, including Pennsburg, streamlines the drug testing process. This widespread availability guarantees efficient service delivery, supporting employers and individuals with prompt and reliable testing outcomes.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Pennsburg, PA, the hair follicle drug test process is designed to be simple and confidential, providing ease and privacy throughout testing. Ordering and scheduling tests are straightforward, ensuring that clients' needs are met without unnecessary hurdles, while maintaining discretion.

The confidentiality of hair testing is paramount, offering peace of mind to clients concerned about their privacy. Following a simple process to take the test and receive results protects sensitive information, reinforcing the trust clients have in our secure and professional testing practices.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing, hair follicle testing in Pennsburg, PA, delivers both affordability and speed. Our structure enables businesses of varying sizes to benefit from comprehensive drug testing services without breaking their budget, ensuring excellent value along with fast turnaround times.

This combination of cost-effectiveness and efficiency positions hair testing as a sound choice for organizations. By choosing hair follicle testing, employers not only ensure thorough drug testing but also enjoy a streamlined process with results delivered promptly, aiding them in swift decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The efficiency and precision of hair follicle drug tests offer fast and reliable results in Pennsburg, PA. By evaluating hair samples, we can deliver accurate insights into an individual's substance use history. Hair testing distinguishes itself with its high accuracy levels, ensuring that results are both timely and trustworthy, thereby supporting the decision-making process in various contexts.

Expedited results from hair tests address the growing need for swift and effective substance identification. With these tests, professionals can swiftly access comprehensive data, promoting thorough assessments and informed judgments. In Pennsburg, PA, the speed paired with the precision of hair follicle testing establishes an undeniable standard in drug testing protocols.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Pennsburg, PA, utilizing hair follicle tests ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing employee safety. This testing method supports adherence to stringent regulations, offering peace of mind for businesses looking to maintain their reputation and meet legal obligations.

The implementation of hair testing fosters a safe and reliable work environment. By ensuring testing accuracy and regulatory compliance, employers can concentrate on productivity and organizational goals, knowing that their workforce upholds the standards expected in a drug-free setting.

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