Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Ridgway, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures a protracted record of substances by embedding biomarkers into the strands as they grow. If samples are taken from the area adjacent to the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch portion consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately akin to a #2 pencil in size) taken nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which serves as the optimal sample for screening and validation. For EtG, additional, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, collecting a comparable amount of body hair is an option. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

The fundamental laboratory steps for processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory's framework. This step ensures proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and fills in any supplemental data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers an initial efficient evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is economical for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation for court acceptance. Presumptive positive samples from Screening necessitate further confirmation.

When a sample tests presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the primary specimen and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most intricate methodology to conduct.

GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are used for confirming any positive screening outcome. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before proceeding to confirmation as required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the lab procedure is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for as long as 90 days, contrasting with the shorter window of urine tests.
• Resistance to manipulation: The difficulty of cheating a hair drug test boosts the reliability of its results.
• Indicators of usage patterns: It illustrates a drug use pattern over an extended timeframe, not just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect immediate use: Drugs are detectable in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Higher cost: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other drug testing methods.
• Differential outcomes: Variables like hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ridgway, PA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior accuracy and dependability. This advanced method surpasses urine tests by providing a longer detection window and reducing the chances of manipulation, presenting a robust option for reliable substance detection.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Ridgway, PA
Hair follicle testing is exceptional in its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days. This provides employers with a comprehensive view of a candidate or employee's substance use history, allowing for better-informed decision making in the hiring process.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ridgway, PA
The hair follicle testing method significantly decreases the risk of sample tampering. Its robust collection and analysis process ensure that results are both reliable and indisputable, offering peace of mind to organizations that demand accuracy and authenticity in testing.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ridgway, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers provides convenience and ease of access for all testing needs. Whether nationwide or locally in Ridgway, testing services are quick, straightforward, and designed to limit inconvenience, ensuring that the process is as seamless as possible.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Ridgway, PA
Our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and maintains the utmost confidentiality. From ordering to result delivery, each step is designed to cater to privacy and simplicity, addressing any concerns related to privacy and making the process user-friendly.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ridgway, PA
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes. This effective balance between cost and speed ensures companies receive valuable and timely insights, enhancing decision-making processes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ridgway, PA
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its speed and precision. This method stands out for its high accuracy, efficiently identifying substance use, making it an ideal choice for those seeking dependable results. The process is streamlined, minimizing delays and enhancing the efficiency of drug detection.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ridgway, PA
Adopting hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with their drug-free workplace policies. This not only reduces legal risks but also enhances workplace safety, fostering a secure and healthy working environment for all employees.

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