Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Volant, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It can reveal a comprehensive history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing strands. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month timeframe for drug and alcohol detection. The collection process is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, optimal for both initial screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample utilizing a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent portion of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. All other hair types fall under body hair (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug testing process in laboratories involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the entry point for a sample within a lab’s system. It entails ensuring the sample was sealed and sent properly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening conducts an initial swift evaluation for potential drug misuse. It serves as a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use in most instances, yet any positive screen requires further confirmation for legal credibility. Presumptive positives from Screening need subsequent validation.

When a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is separated from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. At this step, drugs are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or saliva testing), illustrating why hair drug testing is among the most challenging procedures to execute.

Verification of any positive screen results is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive is cleaned prior to verification as necessary. The comprehensive process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can detect substance use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter window.
• Resistance to manipulation: Cheating on a hair drug test is extremely challenging, enhancing result reliability.
• Reflects usage patterns: It displays drug consumption trends over time, not only recent usage.

Limitations:

• Lacks recent usage detection: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests incur higher costs than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually pertains to the hair strand rather than the follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Volant, PA, hair follicle testing outshines urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy.

With a longer detection window, hair tests reveal a comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history, unlike traditional urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Volant, PA appreciate the extended detection window of hair follicle tests.

This method captures drug use history over a 90-day period, offering a detailed view of an individual's substance use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The integrity of testing in Volant, PA is enhanced by hair follicle tests being tamper-resistant.

With secure sample collection, hair testing minimizes the risk of adulteration, ensuring reliable results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient nationwide testing locations, including local centers in Volant, PA, accessing testing services is easy.

Our centers provide a seamless and hassle-free testing process for all individuals seeking these services.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process in Volant, PA is simple and confidential, from ordering to receiving results.

This ensures that individuals' privacy concerns are addressed while maintaining an easy process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Businesses in Volant, PA benefit from our affordable pricing and fast turnaround times.

Our competitive structures provide excellent value, catering to companies large and small with efficient service.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Volant, PA, hair follicle testing stands out for its fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method delivers high precision in detecting substance use.

Unlike other testing methods, the speed and accuracy of hair tests make them a preferred choice for providing dependable results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Volant, PA, utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance and peace of mind.

This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and promoting safety.

Drug Testing Near Volant, PA

Volant, PA