Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Sewickley, PA

What it is, How it works

The use of hair testing has evolved into a highly effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. By capturing biomarkers within the strands, hair retains a comprehensive timeline of substance use. When samples are taken close to the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol exposure for an estimated three months. Collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising 200 strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, or more than 10 panels, it's advisable to collect 150mg. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing samples. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key stages in processing a drug test result in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the initial phase of introducing a sample into the lab system. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening provides a swift assessment for substances of abuse. Although it's an economical way to eliminate drug use in most cases, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal validity. Samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening need further validation.

When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the specimen for further processing. This stage isolates substances from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral specimens), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.

Confirmation of any positive screen involves techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing if necessary before confirmation. This entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under the guidelines of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days prior, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection duration.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating on a hair drug test is very difficult, enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Tracks usage patterns: Offers insights into a history of substance use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent intake: Drugs appear in hair approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug testing typically costs more than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and personal hair growth rates can influence metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing provides distinct advantages over traditional urine testing in Sewickley, PA. It boasts a superior detection window and reliability due to its extended detection capabilities, ensuring drug use is identified even after extended periods. Moreover, the results are difficult to manipulate, offering a robust alternative to conventional methods. This makes hair testing a preferred choice in various professional settings.

Extended Detection Window

With an impressive detection window extending up to 90 days, hair follicle tests in Sewickley, PA offer a thorough understanding of an individual's drug use history. Unlike other methods, this approach captures a broader timeline of substance exposure, providing employers with a comprehensive view of their workforce's habits. This ensures informed decision-making for both hiring and retention processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Sewickley, PA serves as a tamper-resistant method for drug testing. Its robustness against sample adulteration ensures reliable outcomes. The difficulty in manipulating samples and the observed collection process significantly bolster the credibility of hair testing, offering peace of mind regarding the authenticity of results received.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With extensive nationwide and local testing locations in Sewickley, PA, accessing hair follicle testing services is both convenient and hassle-free. The comprehensive network guarantees that individuals are never far from a facility, ensuring quick and straightforward access to testing, without unnecessary delays, simplifying compliance with professional and personal requirements.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Sewickley, PA is designed to be simple and confidential. With ease, one can order tests, complete the collection, and receive results, all while protective measures ensure privacy. This straightforward approach reassures users, allowing them to focus on their needs without the burden of complex procedures or privacy concerns.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering affordable pricing and quick turnaround, hair follicle testing in Sewickley, PA delivers ample value for organizations of any size. By combining competitive costs with efficient processing times, businesses confidently rely on this service, knowing they receive optimal pricing and prompt results without compromising quality or accuracy in screening.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

For those in Sewickley, PA seeking drug testing, hair follicle analysis stands out for its fast and accurate results. This method efficiently identifies substance use, ensuring precision in results, enhancing confidence for both employers and individuals. The process prioritizes speed, delivering prompt outcomes without sacrificing reliability, making it a preferred choice for comprehensive substance screening.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Sewickley, PA gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. It supports drug-free workplace policies, ultimately minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. By integrating this reliable testing method, organizations ensure adherence to standards, reducing exposure to potential liabilities and fostering a secure working environment for everyone involved.

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