Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Townville, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Over time, hair absorbs biomarkers into its strands as it grows, providing a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug intake. When gathered near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug use history for up to three months. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands, equating to the thickness of a #2 pencil and nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to determine the specimen's weight. If no scalp hair is present, a comparable volume of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The procedure in the laboratory for processing drug test results encompasses four pivotal phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning denotes the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This phase includes confirming that the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. While it is a budget-friendly method for negating drug usage in most samples, to stand in court, a positive result in screening requires confirmation. Samples preliminarily positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.

Should a sample be tentatively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at far lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most challenging procedure to conduct.

Confirmations of any positive screening outcomes are executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All suspected positive samples undergo cleansing prior to confirmation when necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair tests for drugs can uncover drug use over a 90-day period, in contrast to urine tests which offer a lesser detection timeframe.
• The challenge in circumvention: Manipulating a hair drug test is remarkably challenging, leading to more reliable results.
• Demonstrates historical usage: It outlines a usage trend over time, rather than only recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to spot recent consumption: Drugs are detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests often incur more costs compared to alternative drug testing approaches.
• Result variance: Elements like hair color and personal growth rate can sway drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", these primarily examine the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Townville, PA
Comparing hair and urine tests reveals hair testing's superior detection and reliability.

• Hair tests detect drugs over a longer period.
• They are less susceptible to manipulation.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Townville, PA
Unlike urine tests, hair follicle screening identifies drug intake over up to 90 days, offering employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance habits.

• This extensive window allows for a comprehensive substance history check.
• Employers benefit from a more accurate candidate evaluation.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Townville, PA
The hair follicle method drastically minimizes the opportunity for sample adulteration, ensuring credible results.

• Unlike other methods, tampering is exceedingly challenging, providing authentic outcomes.
• This reliability is crucial for maintaining integrity in testing.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing and Local Locations in Townville, PA
Our widespread testing centers, including local ones in Townville, facilitate seamless, trouble-free access to our testing services.

• Easily accessible locations ensure user convenience.
• A broad network simplifies the testing process.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Townville, PA
Our testing process is straightforward and protects privacy from ordering to obtaining results.

• Ensures discretion throughout.
• Confidential handling of personal information.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Townville, PA
Our competitive prices and rapid results offer great value and alleviate concerns for businesses of any size.

• Affordability meets exceptional service.
• Fast processing times enhance efficiency and satisfaction.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Townville, PA
Hair follicle tests offer unmatched precision and speed in detecting drug use. These tests are remarkably accurate, providing dependable results in identifying substance use.

• They deliver results swiftly, ensuring quick decision-making.
• Accuracy is pivotal, often outperforming traditional methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Townville, PA
Hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to drug-free policies, minimizing legal challenges and boosting workplace safety.

• This method supports regulatory compliance while enhancing security.
• It offers tranquility by meeting legal and policy standards.

Drug Testing Near Townville, PA

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