Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The analysis of hair has become recognized as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by trapping biomarkers in the fibers of the hair as it grows. A sample taken close to the scalp can provide up to a 90-day detection timeline for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yields 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the specimen is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair is permissible. References to head hair denote solely scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core stages in processing a drug test result in a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into a laboratory's framework. This step ensures the sample is sealed and conveyed appropriately, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any remaining data entry absent from electronic chain of custody systems.
Screening provides a preliminary drug abuse assessment. Although Screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug presence in most samples, a positive result demands confirmation for court admissibility. Samples producing a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate additional verification.
Presumptive positive samples in Screening prompt the extraction of more hair from the original specimen for preparation in Extraction. In this phase, drugs are taken from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), accounting for the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive outcome from screening involves methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The entire sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 certification standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Tests often called "hair follicle tests" actually assess the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing vs. urine tests in Allentown, PA, it's clear that hair testing offers superior detection capabilities. With a longer detection window, hair tests reveal repeated drug use patterns more effectively than urine tests, which only show recent use.
One of the chief benefits of hair follicle drug testing in Allentown, PA, is its extended detection window. Hair tests can screen for substances over a timeframe of up to 90 days, offering a more comprehensive overview than other testing methods.
This prolonged detection window is invaluable for employers seeking an in-depth view of an applicant's or employee's substance usage history, ensuring they make informed decisions regarding new hires and current staff.
Hair follicle testing in Allentown, PA, boasts a robust tamper-resistant method, ensuring that test results remain reliable and untainted. Unlike urine tests, which can be diluted or altered, hair tests prevent manipulation through their direct sample collection approach.
This tamper-resistance guarantees that the results are both trustworthy and conclusive, minimizing the risk of false-negative outcomes due to sample adulteration or substitution.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations, both nationwide and locally in Allentown, PA. Our widespread network of testing centers ensures that accessing drug testing services is not only quick but also hassle-free.
Quick Access: With local facilities readily available, individuals seeking drug testing have the benefit of quick and easy service access, reducing wait times and logistical challenges while ensuring efficiency.
The process for hair follicle drug testing in Allentown, PA, is designed to be simple and confidential, addressing any privacy or ease-of-use concerns people might have. From ordering the service to taking the test and receiving results, each step prioritizes user confidentiality.
The straightforward process guarantees that anyone can navigate it with minimal effort, reinforcing trust in the security and discretion that Accredited Drug Testing maintains throughout the testing journey.
Accredited Drug Testing in Allentown, PA, emphasizes affordable pricing along with rapid result turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structure ensures that businesses of all sizes find excellent value in our services.
Hair follicle drug tests in Allentown, PA are known for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. This testing method stands out by delivering high precision in substance detection, ensuring that results are dependable and prompt.
The accuracy rate of hair follicle testing is unmatched, providing peace of mind with every result. With quick processing times, individuals and organizations alike benefit from knowing that testing outcomes are both swift and precise in uncovering substance presence.
For employers in Allentown, PA, hair follicle testing provides both compliance with drug-free workplace mandates and peace of mind by aiding in the maintenance of safe, drug-free environments.
Utilizing hair testing reinforces adherence to legal and corporate standards, decreasing potential legal disputes. Employers can rest easy knowing they're aligning with established drug policies while safeguarding the workforce's safety and productivity.
