Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the hair strand fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to alter, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is suggested. We advise weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it solely refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This process includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data entry not completed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid check for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be valid in court. All samples presumed positive during Screening need secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test itself analyzes the hair strand rather than the scalp's hair follicle
In Ackermanville, PA, hair follicle testing stands out over standard urine testing due to its superior accuracy and dependability. While traditional urine tests provide short-term detection, hair testing covers a more extended timeframe. This allows for a more comprehensive insight into a person's substance use patterns, making it a preferred choice for employers and professionals requiring a detailed understanding.
Hair testing is particularly beneficial for its longer detection period, spanning up to 90 days, compared to urine testing's shorter window. This advantage allows for a better assessment of long-term habits, aligning with the needs of entities that enforce strict no-drug-use policies. The reliability of hair follicle testing offers a more accurate and genuine representation of an individual's lifestyle choices.
One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This is especially beneficial for employers in Ackermanville, PA, who require a thorough assessment of an applicant or employee's drug use history. The comprehensive nature of this testing method provides a clearer picture of long-term habits.
Understanding an individual's substance use over several months is crucial for making informed decisions in recruitment and ongoing employment evaluations. Hair follicle testing offers this capability, allowing employers to ensure alignment with their policies and maintain a drug-free workplace environment effectively.
In Ackermanville, PA, the reliability of hair follicle testing is fortified by its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other testing methods, it significantly reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration. Sample collection is closely observed, ensuring that results remain credible and unquestionable.
The robust design of hair follicle tests helps guarantee the authenticity of results, which is crucial for employers and other entities relying on this data to make vital decisions about personnel or compliance with policies. This testing method stands as a bulwark against manipulation attempts, thereby maintaining integrity in drug testing procedures.
Accredited Drug Testing in Ackermanville, PA, ensures convenience through its extensive network of testing centers across the nation. This enables individuals to access drug testing services quickly and efficiently, without the hassle of extensive travel or waiting times.
Our local presence guarantees that accessing testing facilities is simple, and each center is equipped to provide high-quality services. Whether at our local Ackermanville center or any of our nationwide locations, Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled ease of access, simplifying the testing process for individuals and businesses alike.
In Ackermanville, PA, our drug testing process is designed to be straightforward and secure, ensuring privacy and ease for all clients. From ordering a test to taking it and receiving results, every step is streamlined. We emphasize confidentiality and efficiency, alleviating concerns regarding privacy.
Our process is user-friendly and supports clients throughout their testing journey. By ensuring that each aspect is handled with discretion, we provide peace of mind to those utilizing our services, reinforcing our commitment to client confidentiality and service excellence.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Ackermanville, PA, without sacrificing quality. Our pricing structure provides excellent value, ensuring that companies of all sizes can access reliable testing services without financial strain.
We understand the importance of balancing cost and prompt service delivery. Our cost-effective solutions allow companies to meet their drug testing needs expediently and within budget, enhancing peace of mind and operational effectiveness through reasonably priced yet uncompromised services.
For individuals and organizations in Ackermanville, PA, seeking fast, accurate, and reliable drug testing, hair follicle tests offer unmatched precision. These tests boast a high degree of accuracy, picking up traces of drug use that other methods might overlook. The thoroughness of the testing process ensures that results are both timely and dependable, giving users clarity and assurance in the outcomes.
Choosing hair follicle tests means opting for efficient and precise results delivery. The method is designed to minimize wait times while providing conclusive evidence of substance use. With a swift and methodical approach, hair follicle drug testing offers a trusted resource for those needing reliable information quickly in Ackermanville, PA.
For employers in Ackermanville, PA, hair follicle testing offers peace of mind through enhanced compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method supports adherence to legal standards, minimizing the risk of potential liabilities and fostering a safer workplace.
By incorporating hair follicle drug tests, employers can effectively ensure that their drug-free policies are maintained without compromise. The reduction in legal risks associated with non-compliance and the promotion of a secure working environment contribute to organizational peace and efficiency, strengthening operational protocol.
