Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Willow Grove, PA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. The fibers of a growing hair strand entrap markers, allowing hair to present a comprehensive history of drug and alcohol use. When obtained near the scalp, hair can indicate the usage of alcohol and drugs for up to roughly three months. It's straightforward to gather hair samples, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches in length, composed of about 200 hair strands (approximately comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) near the scalp, provides 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a minimum of 150mg of hair is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample's weight using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a matching quantity of body hair can be used. The term "head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types of hair (facial, armpit, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as a preliminary, rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though this method economically excludes drug use in most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation to be legally admissible. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening must undergo additional confirmation.

If Screening indicates a presumptive positive result, additional hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction. This stage entails extracting drugs from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirming a positive screening result is carried out using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples with presumptive positive results are thoroughly washed as necessary. The entire laboratory process—from Accessioning to Confirmation—adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation standards of ISO / IEC 17025.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug use for up to 90 days, contrasting with urine tests which have a more limited detection span.
• Resistance to tampering: Hair drug tests are difficult to deceive, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Historical insight: They offer a history of drug use over time, as opposed to merely detecting recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs need approximately 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Higher cost: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Hair color and individual differences in growth can impact the drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", these evaluations examine the hair strand itself, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Willow Grove, PA, hair follicle tests stand out over traditional urine tests due to their superior detection accuracy. When comparing the two:

• Hair tests can detect drugs for up to 90 days.
• Urine tests cover a shorter window of recent usage.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Willow Grove, PA, excels in providing a long-term detection window, often up to 90 days. This extensive period gives employers a detailed overview of a person's substance use over several months.This method is essential for informed decisions concerning employee or candidate substance histories.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

One of the greatest benefits of hair follicle testing in Willow Grove, PA, is its tamper-resistant nature. The method significantly minimizes the risk of manipulation, offering authenticity in results. Sample adulteration is nearly impossible, ensuring employers receive unquestionable and reliable results.With such security, businesses can trust the outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With testing centers nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing makes hair follicle testing easily accessible in Willow Grove, PA. The convenience of these locations means quick, hassle-free access, minimizing time and effort.

• Our nationwide presence ensures the same superior service wherever needed.

Simple, Confidential Process

Undergoing hair follicle testing in Willow Grove, PA, is a straightforward, confidential process.

• Ordering and taking the test are user-friendly experiences.
• Your privacy is respected at every stage, from sample collection to result delivery.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Willow Grove, PA, our hair follicle drug testing services offer affordable pricing and rapid results.

• Our competitive rates make high-quality testing accessible to businesses of all sizes.
• Fast turnaround ensures timely decision-making for employers.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle testing in Willow Grove, PA, guarantees fast, accurate results, crucial for employers seeking a drug-free workplace.

• Precision in tracing substance use offers a trusted assessment of an individual's history.
• Test results are not only reliable but delivered swiftly, ensuring minimal delays.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For Willow Grove, PA, businesses, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks.

• It's instrumental in maintaining a safe workplace.
• By choosing this testing method, employers experience enhanced peace of mind, knowing they're following best practices.

Drug Testing Near Willow Grove, PA

Maple Glen, PA

Fort Washington, PA

Wyncote, PA

Oreland, PA

Glenside, PA

Warminster Heights, PA

Jenkintown, PA

Bethayres, PA

Bryn Athyn, PA

Horsham, PA

Hatboro, PA

Abington, PA

Roslyn, PA