Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has increasingly been recognized as a potent means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to gather, challenging to alter, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and validation. For EtG, addons, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core phases in the laboratory processing of a drug test result comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not provide.
Screening constitutes an initial swift inspection for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires validation to be permissible in court. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening need secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the initial specimen for preparation in Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 benchmarks.
Pros of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Beurys Lake, PA, offers notable advantages over traditional urine tests. Superior detection accuracy is a key benefit, allowing for a thorough analysis of substance use. Comparing both, hair testing's ability to detect drugs over extended periods makes it more reliable than traditional methods.
Employers and institutions favor hair tests due to their unrivaled reliability. With a hair test, the window of detection allows a broader scope of analysis, giving insights beyond the limited timeframe of urine tests. Hence, they provide better detection gradient results.
In Beurys Lake, PA, hair follicle testing outshines others with its extended detection period. This test can trace drug usage for up to 90 days back, offering a detailed history of substance use. It allows those in charge, like employers, to gain deeper insights into an individual's habits and status over time.
This broader detection range offers a critical advantage, especially when evaluating new hires or existing employees. An extended window of visibility over possible substance use informs employers better, assisting them to maintain a safe and productive environment at work.
In Beurys Lake, PA, hair follicle tests are known for their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other methods, it significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring the reliability of the results provided. This makes them a preferred choice for many companies and organizations.
With little to no chance of evasion, these tests are nearly foolproof, providing unquestionable results. This method ensures institutions that rely on these results can trust the outcome, maintaining the integrity and accuracy of their screening processes.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient nationwide and local testing locations in Beurys Lake, PA. This ensures that participants have easy access to testing services without the hassle. Our widespread presence guarantees quick and hassle-free access, meeting the urgent needs of companies and individuals alike.
Clients benefit from local centers that understand the community's unique needs while enjoying the perks of a nationwide network, facilitating seamless and expedient service to those in need.
In Beurys Lake, PA, our drug testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering the test, taking it, to receiving the results, each step is designed for ease of use and privacy. Addressing concerns about confidentiality, we ensure the privacy of all participants is respected throughout every phase.
This commitment to maintaining a secure process helps participants feel comfortable and supports trust in the administration of tests, allowing for smooth operation and processing of results without complications.
Our pricing structures in Beurys Lake, PA, are competitive, ensuring affordable options for businesses of varying sizes. Coupled with fast turnaround times, our services provide exceptional value and peace of mind for all companies, regardless of their scale.
By offering cost-effective solutions, we empower businesses to implement testing programs efficiently without excessive expenditures, supporting their operations with timely and economically sensible drug testing services.
In Beurys Lake, PA, the precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug tests ensure they stand out. These tests are renowned for their high accuracy, effectively identifying recent substance use compared to their counterparts. Fast, accurate, and reliable results make them indispensable for institutions keen on maintaining integrity.
The streamlined process employed in hair testing guarantees that results are delivered swiftly without compromising on accuracy. Employers and individuals benefit from knowing they can trust the insights drawn from these tests, aiding in decisive and timely actions.
For employers in Beurys Lake, PA, compliance with drug-free workplace policies is vital. Using hair follicle testing enhances peace of mind by assuring adherence while minimizing legal risks. This method promotes a safe working environment, which is essential for maintaining company policy and reputation.
Such testing also ensures that companies are protected against potential infractions, as the reliable results demonstrate zero-tolerance policies effectively. Consequently, both employer and employee can enjoy a secure and coherent working atmosphere.
