Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Smoketown, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method to identify drug and alcohol use. It offers a long-term record by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of hair strands as they grow. When collected from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to approximately three months for alcohol and other drugs. This method is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches long and consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) is ideal, weighing about 100mg for initial screening and confirmation. For EtG or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It’s advisable to use a jeweler's scale for specimen measurement. In the absence of scalp hair, body hair can be substituted in equal amounts. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning marks the initial step where a sample is processed into a lab’s system. This procedure verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entry, not included in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a quick initial evaluation for drugs. This step is cost-effective for eliminating drug usage in most samples; however, a positive result must be confirmed to be court-admissible. Presumptively positive samples from this step require additional confirmation.

For samples testing presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging technique to execute.

Confirmation of any presumptive positive screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, adhering to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests cover a shorter period.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is notably difficult, ensuring more reliable results.
• Offers historical insight: Provides a timeline of drug use over time, not just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Delay in detecting recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair about 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other testing techniques.
• Outcome variances: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand rather than the scalp’s hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

• In Smoketown, PA, hair follicle testing offers advanced detection against traditional urine methods.
• Superior accuracy and reliability highlight hair tests’ effectiveness.
• Employers and clients prefer this method as it shows comprehensive insights into substance habits over time.
• Hair tests make it easier to validate results accurately without manipulation concerns.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window

• Hair follicle tests effectively capture drug use for up to 90 days in Smoketown, PA.
• This lengthened detection allows a thorough view of an individual’s substance use history.
• Employers gain an expansive perspective on applicants or staff’s past behaviors.
• Such extensive insight empowers better hiring and management decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

• Hair follicle testing in Smoketown, PA, greatly reduces sample tampering risks.
• Test results remain trustworthy and unquestionable due to stringent collection methods.
• This reliability ensures employers and agencies best practices in monitoring efforts.
• Reducing the possibility of adulteration enhances confidence in outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations

• Our wide network means accessible testing for Smoketown, PA, residents.
• Clients enjoy hassle-free options across numerous centers, ensuring ease.
• Nationwide presence guarantees quick, streamlined service provision.
• Smoketown locals find the process straightforward, with local support available.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process

• Hair testing in Smoketown, PA, involves a straightforward, private process.
• Ordering, testing, and result-receiving are designed for user ease and confidentiality.
• Clients can trust in the system’s simplicity and security.
• Addressing privacy concerns, this method facilitates a stress-free experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround

• Competitive pricing and prompt turnaround provide great value in Smoketown, PA.
• Businesses enjoy cost-effectiveness without sacrificing the quality of testing.
• Quick reporting ensures swift decision-making capabilities.
• Combining affordability and efficiency, hair testing is both an economical and reliable choice.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

• Hair follicle drug testing in Smoketown, PA, stands out for its rapid and exact outcomes.
• These tests efficiently identify substance use, offering superior precision.
• Individuals and businesses benefit from knowing the test yields insightful results quickly and efficiently.
• The high accuracy level makes them a top choice for dependable drug assessment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

• In Smoketown, PA, hair follicle tests ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
• Employers face reduced legal risks and boosted safety through reliable testing.
• Compliance is streamlined, offering tranquility for workplace management.
• Hair tests empower businesses to maintain a healthy and secure environment.

Drug Testing Near Smoketown, PA

Lancaster, PA

Intercourse, PA

Leacock, PA

Paradise, PA

Bareville, PA

Lampeter, PA

Strasburg, PA

Gordonville, PA

Leacock-Leola-Bareville, PA

Leola, PA

Soudersburg, PA

Ronks, PA

Witmer, PA

Bird in Hand, PA

Bird-in-Hand, PA