Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Reading, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair assessments are regarded as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair strands capture long-term evidence of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair's fibrous structure as it grows. When hair is sampled near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug exposure for an approximate duration of three months. Hair collection is straightforward, presents challenges for tampering, and is convenient to transport.

Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly akin to a #2 pencil's thickness) adjacent to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or evaluations beyond ten panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair imply only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types, such as facial or axillary.

Process Overview

The laboratory's handling of a drug test outcome encompasses four principal phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the laboratory's database. This entails ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any other data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary rapid examination for drug presence. Though cost-efficient for dismissing drug presence in most samples, a positive screen necessitates affirmation to be legally acceptable. Samples showing a positive indication in Screening must undergo further validation.

If a sample appears positive during Screening, additional hair from the original specimen undergoes preparation for Extraction. This phase involves retrieving drugs from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other techniques such as urine or oral fluid testing, which is why hair drug screening presents a considerable challenge.

Confirming any positive Screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating possible positivity are appropriately cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair endorsement and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug evaluations can identify drug use reaching 90 days, unlike urine tests that cover a shorter timeframe.
• Challenging to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is notably difficult, enhancing result reliability.
• Historical insight: Offers a timeline of drug consumption over a span, instead of just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Recent use is undetectable: Detection in hair takes approximately 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs than alternative testing approaches.
• Result fluctuations: Variables such as hair coloration and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Though often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the assessment targets the hair strand rather than the follicle located beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

• In Reading, PA, hair follicle testing outshines urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities, assessing substance use over an extended timeframe.
• This method provides enhanced reliability, reducing chances of false negatives or positives often encountered with urine tests.
• For employers, it ensures a more thorough screening, establishing a safer, more productive work environment.

Extended Detection Window

• Hair follicle testing in Reading, PA offers an extensive detection window, typically identifying drug use up to 90 days.
• This feature is advantageous for employers seeking to review an applicant's or employee's long-term substance history comprehensively.
• Employers gain a broad perspective on usage patterns, supporting more informed hiring or retention decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

• In Reading, PA, hair follicle tests are recognized for their tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the risk of sample manipulation.
• Such tests yield reliable and unquestionable results, offering peace of mind for both employers and employees regarding test integrity.
• This methodology effectively curtails attempts to alter or dilute samples, making it a favored option for sensitive assessments.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

• Reading, PA residents enjoy convenient access to nationwide testing centers that offer fast and hassle-free hair testing services.
• With numerous local locations, booking and attending appointments are simple, eliminating geographical barriers to testing.
• This accessibility underscores a commitment to efficient service delivery, making testing seamless for clients across all areas.

Simple, Confidential Process

• The hair testing process in Reading, PA is both straightforward and confidential, ensuring ease of use and privacy protection.
• Steps involving ordering, performing the test, and receiving results are designed to be user-friendly and discreet.
• These qualities address concerns about privacy, making the testing experience smooth, secure, and uncomplicated for all involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

• Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Reading, PA make hair follicle tests accessible for companies of all sizes.
• Businesses benefit from excellent value and peace of mind, knowing that reliable results come without breaking the bank.
• This combination of affordability and efficiency underscores a commitment to serving diverse corporate needs with precision.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

• Reading, PA residents benefit from the precision of hair follicle drug tests, offering quick and accurate results for substance detection.
• The process is streamlined, ensuring reliable results that are crucial for employers needing swift decision-making capabilities.
• The science behind hair testing allows for superior detection accuracy, making it an invaluable method in substance use identification.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

• Utilizing hair follicle testing in Reading, PA helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks.
• The method enhances workplace safety, promoting peace of mind for employers through reliable substance monitoring.
• It assists companies in maintaining robust drug policy adherence, facilitating a healthier, more efficient workforce environment.

Drug Testing Near Reading, PA

Reiffton, PA

Colony Park, PA

Shillington, PA

Wyomissing Hills, PA

Grill, PA

Greenfields, PA

Wyomissing, PA

Mount Penn, PA

Kenhorst, PA

West Reading, PA