Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the growing strand, offering an extended history of substance use. When taken near the scalp, it presents close to a three-month window for detecting drugs and alcohol. The process of hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands in thickness (about the thickness of a #2 pencil), cut close to the scalp provides 100mg, deemed the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair isn't available, the equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain strictly to the scalp, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The core procedures in processing a drug test result in the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introduction of a sample into a laboratory's system. This encompasses verifying that the sample's seal is intact and shipment was done correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is the initial evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use for most samples, positive screens require confirmation for legal acceptability. Presumptive positives during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For presumptive positives in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample and prepped for the Extraction phase. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), explaining the complexity of hair drug testing methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screen is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples are washed accordingly before confirmation. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classifications and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditations.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
In Delmont, PA, hair follicle testing has significant advantages over traditional urine testing. Hair testing's superior detection accuracy stands out, providing reliability that urine tests may lack. The extended detection window of hair follicle tests allows for a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history.
This makes them a preferred choice for many establishments enforcing zero-tolerance policies.
With hair follicle testing in Delmont, PA, the detection of drugs spans up to 90 days, offering a detailed view of substance use. This extended window makes hair tests invaluable for employers seeking to understand the long-term patterns of substance use in candidates or employees.
Hair follicle testing is a choice that ensures thorough and prolonged insight into drug usage history.
In Delmont, PA, hair follicle testing is highly tamper-resistant, setting a standard for reliability. Compared to other methods, it minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, thus offering unequivocal results that cannot be easily manipulated.
Employers and legal entities benefit from its integrity, using results that remain reliable under scrutiny.
Convenience is key in Delmont, PA, with numerous nationwide testing locations available. Local centers ensure easy and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services.
The widespread network of testing centers guarantees that individuals and companies can quickly and efficiently meet their testing needs without disruption.
In Delmont, PA, the procedure for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. The process addresses privacy concerns, ensuring ease and discretion at every step, from ordering to receiving results.
Employers and individuals can navigate the testing process without complication, securing results with complete confidentiality.
Delmont, PA, offers hair follicle testing with affordable pricing and swift turnaround times. This competitive pricing provides excellent value for companies of all sizes, ensuring not just peace of mind but a cost-effective solution.
Fast and reliable results mean that businesses can make informed decisions promptly.
In Delmont, PA, hair follicle testing offers fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of these tests in identifying substance use is unmatched. Employers and individuals can trust the high accuracy delivered by this testing method.
The efficiency and speed at which the results are processed ensure timely decisions can be made, benefiting workplaces and individuals alike.
Employers in Delmont, PA, enjoy compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method supports drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and promoting a safer environment.
By ensuring that all employees adhere to standards, businesses can operate smoothly without the risk of drug-related incidents.
