Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Sturgeon, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair offers a detailed retrospective of substance consumption by capturing biomarkers within the hair's growing strand. When procured near the scalp, hair reveals a potential 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG assessments, additional panels, or examinations beyond 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is advised. It is best to weigh the hair on a jeweler's scale. If no scalp hair is available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be obtained. Note that "head hair" specifically refers to the scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning denotes the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab's system. The sample's proper sealing and shipment are verified, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any additional data entry not covered by an electronic custody system is completed.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. While cost-effective for eliminating drug usage in most cases, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening require additional confirmation.

When a sample tests presumptively positive in Screening, further hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations lower than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the toughest method to execute.

Confirmation for any positive result from Screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptively positive are washed as necessary before confirmation. The complete lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter timeframe.
• Challenge to tamper: It's exceedingly difficult to fraudulently pass a hair drug test, thereby ensuring more accurate outcomes.
• Historical usage insight: Offers a chronology of drug intake over time rather than only recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Higher cost: Hair drug testing tends to be more costly than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the hair follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Testing Outshines Urine Testing

In Sturgeon, PA, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine tests for several reasons.

• Enhanced Detection: Hair exams detect substances for up to 90 days.
• Greater Reliability: These tests are less prone to tampering or evasion.

Extended Detection Window

Understanding the Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Sturgeon, PA provides an unparalleled detection period.

• 90-Day Insight: Employers obtain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history.
• Better Overview: This extended window helps ensure a thorough analysis of substance use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Secured Testing: Minimizing Tampering

In Sturgeon, PA, hair follicle tests offer a robust, tamper-resistant solution.

• Reduced Adulteration Risk: Hair samples are difficult to falsify.
• Reliable Outcomes: Results are accurate and trustworthy.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Testing Centers Across Sturgeon

Convenient and accessible, our nationwide network includes centers in Sturgeon, PA.

• Ease of Access: Our locations ensure efficient and prompt testing services.
• Hassle-Free Experience: Testing is designed to be quick and straightforward.

Simple, Confidential Process

Confidential and Simplified Process

In Sturgeon, PA, we ensure a straightforward and discreet testing procedure.

• Simplicity: Ordering and receiving results is a hassle-free experience.
• Confidentiality: Privacy is of utmost importance, with all results securely handled.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable & Rapid Results

Experience competitive pricing and quick turnarounds on hair follicle tests in Sturgeon, PA.

• Cost-Effective: Our pricing structures provide excellent value.
• Efficient Service: Timely results minimize disruptions to operations.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast & Accurate Results in Sturgeon

Hair follicle testing in Sturgeon, PA guarantees swift and precise outcomes.

• High Accuracy: These tests are renowned for their accuracy in identifying substance use.
• Quick Turnaround: Results are delivered promptly, providing peace of mind.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Assurance for Employers

Hair follicle testing facilitates compliance with drug-free policies in Sturgeon, PA.

• Legal Protection: Using these tests reduces legal and safety risks.
• Enhanced Safety: Employers maintain a more trustworthy workplace environment.

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