Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for identifying use of substances like drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a record of alcohol and drugs over time by embedding biomarkers within the fiber structure of the growing strand. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection timeline of almost 3 months for substances like alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample length of 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, a 150mg sample is preferable. It is suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent volume of body hair is acceptable. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Drug test laboratory processing is structured into four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing phase of a sample within a lab's system. This process ensures the sample has been sealed and sent accurately, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any required data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an expedited assessment for substance abuse. Screening provides a cost-effective method of eliminating drug usage in most samples; however, positive results during this stage must be confirmed for legal validation. Samples with presumed positive screens require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, more strands are extracted from the initial sampling and processed for Extraction. At this stage, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower densities than in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methods to execute.
Any positive screening results undergo Confirmation via techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning through to Confirmation, the entire laboratory procedure complies with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair qualifications and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the evaluation pertains to the hair strands and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Avon, PA, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests for several reasons. The reliability and accuracy of hair tests provide a superior detection method that surpasses urine testing, especially in long-term substance use detection. Employers and other organizations benefit from this enhanced accuracy, reducing the margin of error and providing clear insights into an individual's substance use history.
Employers in Avon, PA, benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle tests, which can reveal drug use over a period of up to 90 days. This comprehensive view offers a more accurate picture of an individual's substance history than shorter-term methods. Such an extended window ensures informed decision-making, supporting a safer and substance-free workplace environment.
Hair follicle tests in Avon, PA, offer a tamper-resistant solution, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This testing method guarantees reliable and unquestionable results due to its stringent collection and analysis processes. For employers and agencies, this means greater confidence in test outcomes, ensuring accurate assessments free from manipulation or deception.
In Avon, PA, the convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide centers ensures easy access to hair follicle testing services. These locations offer prompt, efficient, and stress-free testing options, reducing the hassle for individuals and organizations alike. Local availability supports swift scheduling and testing, promoting a seamless experience for all involved.
Avon, PA offers a straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle testing. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, privacy and ease of use are prioritized. This approach addresses concerns regarding personal data protection, ensuring a smooth and discreet testing process for both individuals and employers seeking reliable drug screening solutions.
Accredited Drug Testing in Avon, PA provides competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing. These affordable rates make top-tier testing accessible to companies of all sizes. The efficient process ensures rapid results without compromising quality or accuracy, offering excellent value and peace of mind for organizational drug testing needs.
Hair follicle testing in Avon, PA offers remarkable speed, precision, and reliability. This method can quickly identify substance use, providing high accuracy, which is crucial for employers requiring rapid and trustworthy results. With hair follicle testing, results are delivered efficiently without compromising detail, ensuring employers stay informed and confident in their hiring and retention processes.
By utilizing hair follicle testing, employers in Avon, PA, ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks while enhancing workplace safety. This method provides peace of mind, as the long detection period and difficulty in tampering with the test outcomes firmly align with compliance standards, contributing to a secure and professional work environment.
