Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands. When taken close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to around three months for alcohol and other drugs. It's easy to gather, not easily tampered with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample composed of about 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is preferred. It's advisable to weigh this sample with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be taken. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. This step ensures the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody process.
Screening is a preliminary, expedited check for drugs of abuse. While it offers a cost-effective method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screening result needs verification for courtroom validity. Any samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is flagged as presumptively positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen for further processing in the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to conduct.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation, when necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny based on both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often described as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Benton, PA surpasses urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests detect recent use, hair tests reveal substances used up to 90 days prior. This extended window provides a comprehensive view into one's drug use history, uncovering patterns that urine tests might miss.
Hair tests thus serve as a more powerful tool in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Benton, PA benefits from hair follicle testing for its extended detection period, monitoring drug use up to 90 days prior. This comprehensive method assures employers of an applicant's long-term substance habits, presenting a clear picture of their history. With this advantage, workplaces can better gauge an individual's past, promoting informed hiring decisions essential for safety and compliance.
Hair follicle testing in Benton, PA ensures minimal risk of tampering, making results reliable and unquestionable. The collection process is meticulously observed, eliminating chances of sample adulteration often seen with urine tests. This robust method enhances testing integrity, ensuring the results accurately reflect true drug use, thus fostering a trustworthy testing environment for employers.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations in Benton, PA, and nationwide. Our widespread centers ensure quick, easy access to necessary services without hassle. Whether local or further afield, individuals can rely on our efficient system, providing seamless testing options across various regions, thus prioritizing accessibility for all clients.
Our simple and confidential hair testing process in Benton, PA addresses privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use. With hassle-free ordering and result retrieval, individuals can trust the integrity of their data. Our streamlined procedures cultivate confidence among participants, securing personal information throughout the testing journey.
Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround, our services in Benton, PA deliver great value for companies. Faster processing times and affordable rates make us an attractive option, ensuring budget-friendly solutions for businesses of varying sizes. Our efficient approach ensures you receive the best service without compromising on quality or speed.
In Benton, PA, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed, assuring timely and reliable results. This method quickly identifies substances, providing crucial insight into recent drug use. With a straightforward process, individuals can expect high accuracy in their test outcomes, making it an ideal choice for various testing needs.
Analyzing hair samples, the method excels in both speed and reliability.
Employers in Benton, PA gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method reinforces a drug-free policy, minimizing legal liabilities while ensuring workplace safety. By choosing this rigorous test, businesses comply with regulations effectively, fostering a secure environment where employees feel protected and valued, enhancing overall corporate responsibility and trust.
