Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged overview of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in the strands of hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can typically reveal a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) located nearest to the scalp supplies 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar amount of body hair can be taken. When we mention head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses any other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The key stages in the laboratory handling of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase where a sample is integrated into the laboratory's database. This phase involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not already provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Though it provides a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positives from Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
For samples that test presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other means (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is notably challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The complete laboratory journey from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Columbia, PA
In Columbia, PA, opting for hair follicle testing rather than traditional urine tests offers distinct advantages, such as superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing identifies drugs over extended periods and is less prone to manipulation. As such, it provides a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, making it a reliable choice for employers and legal entities.
Extended Detection Window in Columbia, PA
Hair follicle testing offers the benefit of detecting drug use over a significantly longer period, up to 90 days. This extended detection window allows employers in Columbia, PA, to gain an in-depth understanding of a potential or current employee's substance history. Compared to other methods, this provides a more complete profile of an individual's drug use over time.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Columbia, PA
By choosing hair follicle tests in Columbia, PA, the risk of sample adulteration is greatly minimized. These tests provide reliable and unquestionable results, making them difficult to tamper with. This means employers and legal entities can have greater confidence in the integrity of the testing process, ensuring fair evaluations based on accurate data.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Columbia, PA
Accredited Drug Testing makes it easy for residents of Columbia, PA, to access our services through convenient nationwide and local testing centers. With numerous locations available, obtaining a test is a quick, hassle-free process, ensuring that individuals and employers receive the services they need with minimal inconvenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Columbia, PA
For Columbia, PA, residents, our testing process is simple and confidential, from ordering to receiving results. This ensures privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns around data security. Our streamlined process makes it simple for both individuals and employers to schedule and complete the necessary testing without unnecessary stress.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Columbia, PA
Our competitive pricing and efficient turnaround times in Columbia, PA, provide excellent value and peace of mind. Companies of all sizes benefit from our affordable services, ensuring they can manage their drug testing needs without financial strain. Timely results reduce waiting periods, contributing to better operational efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Columbia, PA
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them a preferred choice in Columbia, PA. Hair testing boasts high accuracy in pinpointing substance use, offering swift and dependable results. The capability to detect even small amounts of substances with high precision sets it apart from other testing methods, reinforcing trust in the results obtained.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Columbia, PA
In Columbia, PA, hair follicle testing supports compliance with workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety. Employers can trust in the accuracy and reliability of hair tests, fostering a safe working environment and ensuring adherence to legal and corporate standards, thus promoting peace of mind for all involved.
