Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair follicle analysis is recognized as a reliable method for detecting substance use, including drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a timeline of drug or alcohol use by incorporating biomarkers into its fibers as it grows. When hair is harvested close to the scalp, it allows for a detection period of up to around three months for substances such as alcohol and drugs. This method of collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 strands (approximately equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) cut near to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the prime amount needed for testing and validation purposes. For EtG, extended panels, or analyses exceeding ten panels, it's suggested to utilize 150mg of hair. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended for accurate specimen weighing. In instances where scalp hair isn't accessible, an equal quantity of body hair might be used. The reference to head hair specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (like facial or axillary hair).
Overview of the Procedure
The key steps in the laboratory processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step ensures proper sample sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry that isn't included within an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid check for drug misuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, any positive results require Confirmation for court validity. Samples that display presumptive positivity in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and processed for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair in concentrations lower than in other testing methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which is why hair drug testing presents the most challenging methodology.
Positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is conducted following the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination assesses the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Burgettstown, PA, hair follicle testing presents a clear advantage over urine tests. By offering superior accuracy, hair analysis captures a broader spectrum of drug use, making it an ideal choice for comprehensive assessments.
Hair testing outperforms urine methods through its extended detection capabilities and heightened reliability. It offers a robust solution for employers prioritizing accuracy in substance testing.
The extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing in Burgettstown, PA, provides a reliable method for assessing long-term drug use. Capable of detecting substance use up to 90 days, it delivers a thorough account of an individual's drug history.
This extended timeframe is invaluable for employers who need a detailed assessment of a candidate's substance use, enabling more informed employment decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Burgettstown, PA, significantly curb the chances of sample tampering. With their inherent resistance to alteration, these tests guarantee trustworthy and precise outcomes.
This robustness against adulteration ensures credible results, offering peace of mind to employers and regulatory bodies relying on accurate drug testing techniques.
With convenient nationwide and local testing centers in Burgettstown, PA, accessing our services is straightforward. We ensure quick and practical solutions, simplifying the drug testing process for individuals and organizations alike.
Our extensive network ensures that testing is hassle-free and readily accessible, meeting the needs of clients across various locations efficiently.
In Burgettstown, PA, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and private. From ordering to results, every step is crafted to maintain confidentiality and ease, so you can focus on what's important.
By providing a simple yet secure procedure, we address privacy concerns head-on, ensuring users feel confident and at ease with their testing experience.
Offering competitive rates and quick results, our hair follicle tests in Burgettstown, PA, deliver exceptional value for businesses. Our cost-effective pricing ensures companies of all sizes can benefit from reliable substance testing.
By combining affordability with swift processing, our services provide peace of mind and facilitate better financial planning for drug testing needs.
The precision and efficiency of hair follicle drug tests in Burgettstown, PA, are unmatched. By providing accurate detection of substance use, these tests set a high standard, ensuring swift yet reliable results.
With rapid processing times and unparalleled accuracy, hair testing offers a dependable method for detecting drug use. Its advanced technology minimizes time delays, granting organizations the reliability they seek.
Employers in Burgettstown, PA, benefit greatly from the compliance and reassurance brought by hair follicle testing. By aligning with workplace drug policies, it minimizes legal challenges and strengthens workplace safety.
Implementing this testing method fosters a culture of responsibility, providing a reliable tool to uphold a drug-free work environment that supports both business interests and employee welfare.
