Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a long-term record of drug and alcohol use by embedding biological markers within the fibers of hair that is actively growing. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer coverage for detecting drug and alcohol use for about up to three months. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. In the context of head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily consists of four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This entails confirming that the sample has been appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening serves as an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a screen that tests positive must be confirmed for it to be acceptable in legal proceedings. Samples that test tentatively positive during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If a sample tests tentatively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this process, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than with other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test tentatively positive are cleansed before confirmation, as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Blandon, PA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests can show recent usage, hair tests reveal a broader pattern, offering definitive insights into an individual's substance history.
This testing method greatly enhances accuracy and reliability, helping employers enforce strict drug-free policies with greater confidence than traditional testing methods.
In Blandon, PA, one major advantage of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Unlike other methods, it can trace drug use up to 90 days back, offering employers a detailed view of their employees or applicants' substance use history.
This extensive timeframe stands apart from other tests, providing an all-encompassing picture of past behaviors which is crucial for informed decision-making.
In Blandon, PA, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant method to ensure the integrity of drug testing results. This approach significantly reduces chances of sample adulteration, providing reliable, unquestionable outcomes.
This heightened level of security gives employers peace of mind, ensuring results are accurate and trustworthy, critical in environments demanding stringent adherence to drug-free policies.
Blandon, PA, benefits from our nationwide network of testing centers, ensuring convenient access to hair follicle drug testing. This availability allows for quick, easy, and hassle-free testing services, adapting to the needs of various clients.
Offering both local and nationwide services ensures that accredited testing is always within reach, accommodating the diverse demands of our clientele.
Our hair follicle testing process in Blandon, PA, is simple and confidential, addressing concerns about privacy and ease of use. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward, ensuring user convenience.
Privacy concerns are carefully handled, ensuring individuals' information remains secure while the process remains effective and uncomplicated, enhancing user experience.
Affordability and quick turnaround times are key features of our hair follicle testing services in Blandon, PA. We offer competitive pricing, providing excellent value for companies of all sizes.
Our efficient processes ensure fast results, allowing businesses to make informed decisions promptly, which is vital for maintaining operational continuity and cost-effectiveness.
Hair follicle testing in Blandon, PA provides fast, accurate, and reliable results that are hard to beat. Its high precision ensures effective detection of substances, affording much confidence and reliability compared to other testing methods.
This method not only provides quick results but also maintains a high level of accuracy in identifying drug or alcohol use, making it highly reliable for various applications.
Employers in Blandon, PA find peace of mind using hair follicle tests as they promote compliance with workplace drug policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, crucial for maintaining a productive and secure environment.
Implementing such testing methods ensures adherence to regulations and mitigates potential liabilities, strengthening the safety fabric of businesses.
