Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Testing hair is now recognized as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a record keeper for long-term substance use by encasing biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When hair is sampled close to the scalp, it offers a detection span of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to collect hair, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample taken from 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands, akin in size to a #2 pencil and nearest to the scalp, results in 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample size of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample is advised. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. The term "head hair" exclusively denotes scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other forms (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The main four steps involved in processing a laboratory drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing as it enters the laboratory’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample is properly sealed and sent, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry that the electronic chain of custody system hasn’t provided.
Screening constitutes an initial swift examination for substance abuse. Although Screening serves as an economical method to eliminate drug use in the majority of cases, results showing positive require confirmation to be permissible in legal proceedings. Any samples displaying a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample displays a presumptively positive result in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for the Extraction stage. In this stage, drugs are extracted from the hair in lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity in performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Any presumptive positive batches undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and aligns with the ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests in Baldwin, PA. It boasts superior detection accuracy and reliability, making it a preferred choice for many organizations. In contrast to urine tests, hair testing can uncover substance use over a much longer period, providing a comprehensive picture of an individual's history.
When comparing urine tests to hair follicle testing in Baldwin, PA, the latter emerges as more advantageous. Not only does it offer a more extended detection period, but it is also less prone to manipulation. Employers can trust hair tests to deliver consistent, reliable results, enhancing their substance detection strategies.
Hair follicle testing in Baldwin, PA provides an extended detection window for substance use, spanning up to 90 days. This longer period offers employers invaluable insights into an individual's drug use history. By covering a more extended timeline, hair tests enable a comprehensive evaluation of applicants or employees.
In Baldwin, PA, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing is unmatched. Offering a 90-day review period, it surpasses the capabilities of standard urine tests. This broad detection scope helps employers and other stakeholders assess substance use more effectively, ensuring informed decision-making.
In Baldwin, PA, hair follicle testing stands as one of the most tamper-resistant drug testing methods available. Its design significantly limits the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring the results are both reliable and unquestionable. This integrity is vital for maintaining confidence in drug testing outcomes.
The robust nature of hair follicle tests provides unmatched tamper-resistance in Baldwin, PA. With stringent collection and testing processes, these tests minimize manipulation risks, ensuring genuine results. Stakeholders can rely on these tests for accurate and trustworthy substance detection.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations nationwide, including Baldwin, PA, ensuring easy access to hair follicle testing services. Our widespread network caters to both individual and corporate needs, providing hassle-free testing solutions across various regions.
In Baldwin, PA, accessing drug testing services is straightforward, thanks to our extensive network of national and local centers. These conveniently situated locations guarantee efficient service delivery, facilitating timely and convenient testing for all individuals or organizations needing assessment.
Hair follicle testing in Baldwin, PA involves a straightforward, confidential process, shielding clients' privacy throughout. From ordering the test to receiving results, every step is clear and easy to manage, ensuring a seamless experience while maintaining confidentiality at its core.
The process for hair follicle testing in Baldwin, PA is both simple and discreet. It respects the privacy concerns of clients while providing an easy and efficient testing journey. Clients can count on a process that manages to both protect privacy and deliver prompt results.
In Baldwin, PA, competitive pricing and rapid turnaround make hair follicle testing an attractive option. Affordable services ensure businesses of every size receive excellent value, benefiting from both cost-efficient solutions and quick, reliable results.
With affordable pricing and fast results, hair follicle testing in Baldwin, PA offers peace of mind to organizations. Providing value without compromising quality, this testing method guarantees cost-effectiveness alongside efficient turnaround times, accommodating varied budget requirements.
The speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests make them a top choice in Baldwin, PA. Hair tests offer high precision in substance detection, providing fast, reliable results that highlight their effectiveness in identifying drug use. This rapid and accurate process ensures timely outcomes, supporting both individuals and organizations in their testing needs.
In Baldwin, PA, obtaining accurate results swiftly is critical. Hair follicle testing excels in delivering results promptly and with precision, ensuring a trustworthy method for substance detection. Its capability to consistently yield dependable outcomes underscores its advantage as a premier testing option for accurate drug screening.
Employing hair follicle testing in Baldwin, PA ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, offering employers peace of mind. By using this reliable method, organizations can reduce legal risks and fortify safety standards, underscoring their commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment.
For employers in Baldwin, PA, hair follicle testing provides a robust tool for enforcing drug-free workplace policies. Its accurate detection and extensive history review support compliance with regulatory demands, adding a layer of security against potential liabilities while promoting a safe work environment.
