Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug usage. Hair can offer a prolonged timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands' fibers. When cut close to the scalp, it can reveal a detection period of up to three months for drugs and alcohol. The collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hairs (about the dimension of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis. For EtG, supplementary tests, or beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be nonexistent, a similar amount of body hair is permissible. When specifying head hair, we mean scalp hair alone. Body hair includes other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the introduction of a sample into the lab's system. This entails ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a quick initial verification for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug consumption in most samples, any positive findings necessitate verification for legal admissibility. Samples that initially test positive via Screening must undergo further confirmation.
For samples deemed preliminarily positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial collection is prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at a notably subtler concentration than other modalities (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation for any positive findings in Screening is managed utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples marked presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process, encompassing Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests," this method evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cassville, PA
Hair follicle tests offer a robust alternative to traditional urine tests, boasting superior detection periods and precision. While urine tests detect recent usage, hair tests can unveil patterns of substance use over a much longer timeline, providing an invaluable tool for employers seeking a deeper understanding of an individual's drug history.
Extended Detection Window in Cassville, PA
Hair follicle testing can uncover substance use for up to 90 days, offering an extensive window of detection. This accuracy is invaluable for employers who want a comprehensive view of an applicant's or employee's drug history, granting them significant insights compared to shorter-term testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cassville, PA
Leveraging hair follicle tests reduces the chances of sample tampering, ensuring reliable outcomes. The intricate nature of hair testing makes it nearly impossible for individuals to alter results, thus offering an unquestionable assurance of authenticity in substance use backgrounds.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cassville, PA
Our vast network of testing centers nationwide ensures hassle-free services. Regardless of your location in Cassville, PA, testing is accessible, providing a straightforward and efficient process. This ease allows prompt drug screening when you need it most.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cassville, PA
Our process for ordering, conducting, and receiving test results is straightforward and confidential. Designed with user privacy in mind, the method ensures ease of use from start to finish, addressing any privacy concerns effectively and seamlessly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cassville, PA
Our competitive pricing coupled with rapid result turnaround offers excellent value. Catering to businesses of all sizes, our services provide cost-efficiency without compromising the timing, giving companies both savings and assurance.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cassville, PA
Hair follicle testing excels in providing fast and precise results. This method delves deep into substance detection with unmatched accuracy, promptly identifying drug use. For employers in Cassville, PA, these quick, accurate tests prove crucial in ensuring a responsible workplace.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cassville, PA
Employing hair follicle drug testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free protocols. By minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety, these tests support employers in cultivating a secure and drug-free environment, providing much-needed peace of mind.