Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Sharpsburg, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of hair strands as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal up to around a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands, roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil, nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for testing and verification. For tests such as EtG, additional assessments, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. Head hair solely pertains to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four key stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the initial intake of a sample into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any needed data entry that an electronic chain of custody system doesn't provide.

Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for abused drugs. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for legal acceptability. Any samples that suggest a positive result during Screening need a secondary confirmation.

If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which renders hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.

Confirmation of any positive result from the screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentative positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certified to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, contrasting with urine tests that offer a shorter detection timeframe.
• Challenging to manipulate: It is extremely hard to tamper with a hair drug test, leading to more precise results.
• Yields historical insight: It can outline a pattern of drug usage over time, beyond just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically costlier than other drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Aspects like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Even though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Sharpsburg, PA

Hair follicle testing proves to be more advantageous over urine testing in Sharpsburg, PA, due to its superior detection accuracy. This method can reveal past substance use more reliably, making it the preferred choice among employers seeking stringent drug-free environments.

The unmatched precision of hair tests detects a broader spectrum of substances, ensuring thorough assessments and minimizing false negatives found in urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Sharpsburg, PA

Hair follicle testing in Sharpsburg, PA, offers an extended detection window up to 90 days, outperforming other methods. This allows employers a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance history, aiding better-informed hiring decisions.

With such a long detection period, employers are equipped to manage and maintain a healthier, drug-free workplace effectively.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sharpsburg, PA

In Sharpsburg, PA, the integrity of hair follicle tests excels in lowering risks of sample tampering. This method offers reliable outcomes, as altering or contaminating hair samples is significantly more difficult than with urine, ensuring unquestionable results.

Employers can significantly rely on these results, enhancing decision-making processes related to hiring and workplace policies.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Sharpsburg, PA

The convenience of our numerous testing centers nationwide, including Sharpsburg, PA, ensures accessible, timely drug testing services. Amid busy schedules, finding a local testing location is straightforward, allowing for quick and hassle-free testing experiences.

Employers and individuals alike appreciate the ease of access without unnecessary delays or complications.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Sharpsburg, PA

In Sharpsburg, PA, the process for hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. This user-friendly approach addresses privacy concerns, making the ordering, testing, and results delivery seamless and secure for users.

Ensuring confidentiality and ease of use is paramount, enhancing trust and convenience for all involved parties.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sharpsburg, PA

Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Sharpsburg, PA, offer exceptional value for employers of all sizes. This balance of cost and efficiency ensures companies receive rapid results without compromising on quality.

The speed and affordability of our services provide peace of mind, aligned with budgetary considerations.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Sharpsburg, PA

When it comes to drug testing in Sharpsburg, PA, hair follicle tests stand out for their precision and speed. These tests are highly accurate, offering rapid detection of substance use, surpassing traditional methods in reliability and effectiveness.

Employers and legal authorities benefit from the swift results, enabling quick assessments and decision-making processes based on accurate and timely information.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sharpsburg, PA

Hair follicle testing in Sharpsburg, PA, ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and augmenting safety for employers. This method reinforces organizational integrity and aids in maintaining high safety standards.

Employers benefit from the certainty and peace of mind provided by these tests, ensuring staff alignment with company policies.

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