Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now viewed as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drug traces. Its collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and it is easy to transport.
A close-to-scalp 1.5-inch hair sample, consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil size), yields 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG add-ons or tests surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a similar amount of body hair may be utilized. 'Head hair' refers explicitly to scalp hair, while 'body hair' refers to any other types of hair (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the process of registering a sample within the laboratory’s system. This procedure includes ensuring the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial rapid check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical solution to identify drug use in most specimens, a positive result necessitates a confirmation to be accepted legally. Samples that appear positive in Screening require an additional confirmation step.
When a sample is potentially positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for further Examination. During this phase, drugs are drawn from hair in a much lower density than seen in other methodologies, like urine or saliva testing, contributing to hair drug screening's complexity.
Any positive Screening outcome is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Prior to confirmation, presumptive positive samples are cleansed as required. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designations and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Challenges:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests," the evaluation focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When considering drug testing methods, hair follicle testing in DuBois, PA, stands out over traditional urine tests. The advanced detection capabilities make hair testing more accurate and reliable, offering a broader detection window. While urine tests have been the norm, hair testing's ability to catch long-term drug use gives employers a comprehensive view, reducing liabilities and supporting informed decisions.
Employers in DuBois, PA, are choosing hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window. This method can trace drug use back up to 90 days, delivering a thorough evaluation of an individual’s substance history. Such a comprehensive history aids employers by highlighting patterns of use, ensuring safer work environments.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in DuBois, PA, significantly mitigates the risk of sample adulteration. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are difficult to alter, ensuring reliable results that are trustworthy. Employers can rely on these tests for accurate data, helping maintain strict workplace policies without concern over tampered samples.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient locations nationwide and locally in DuBois, PA, for accessible testing services. Our network simplifies logistical challenges with swift, easy testing options. With centers across the country, accessing drug testing services is hassle-free, bolstering the testing process’s efficiency and availability.
The process for hair follicle testing in DuBois, PA, is both simple and confidential. Ordering, undergoing the test, and receiving results are streamlined to prioritize the privacy of individuals involved. Ensuring confidentiality and ease of use addresses any concerns, fostering trust in the service.
DuBois, PA, businesses can take advantage of our affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle drug tests. Our competitive rates, coupled with quick results, provide exceptional value for companies of varying sizes. This blend of cost-effectiveness and speed is ideal for institutions aiming for efficient workplace testing.
The hair follicle drug test in DuBois, PA, is renowned for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. With its superior ability to detect substance use, it offers a quick turnaround for confirming drug presence. Employers benefit from this efficiency, making informed decisions swiftly, ensuring both workplace safety and compliance. Efficiency pairs with precision to offer unmatched testing in the region.
Utilizing hair follicle drug testing in DuBois, PA, provides employers with compliance and peace of mind. It supports adherence to workplace drug-free policies, decreasing legal vulnerabilities and enhancing overall workplace safety. Employers achieve assurance through precise drug history analysis for their employees.
