Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair samples can provide up to a three-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, fairly resistant to adulteration, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) from closest to the scalp will offer 100mg of hair, the preferred sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample's initial integration into a lab’s system. This step verifies that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any extra data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid evaluation for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient means to rule out substance use for most samples, a positive screening result demands confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples preliminary showing positive in Screening need further confirmation.
For samples showing presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and prepared for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Pre-confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed when necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, excluding the in-scalp hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Duboistown, PA. Hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests with superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, hair testing offers an extended detection window, providing a comprehensive overview of substance use over several months.
Employers benefit from the accuracy and reliability of hair tests, which are harder to falsify compared to urine tests, making it a valuable tool for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Extended Detection Window in Duboistown, PA. Hair follicle tests can reveal drug use over a significantly extended period, typically up to 90 days. This long-term detection offers employers a thorough perspective on an individual's substance use behavior over time.
By choosing hair testing, employers access insights into prolonged drug use, far surpassing the limited detection window available with standard urine testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Duboistown, PA. Hair follicle drug tests stand out for minimizing the risk of adulteration, ensuring that sample integrity and results remain uncompromised and reliable.
Employing observational procedures during collection, hair tests significantly deter any attempts at sample tampering, reassuring stakeholders of the authenticity of test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Duboistown, PA. With testing centers spread across the country, Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy access to reliable testing services, making the process straightforward and convenient for both individuals and businesses.
Our extensive network means quick, hassle-free appointments at a location near you, including Duboistown, ensuring prompt service whenever you need it.
Simple, Confidential Process in Duboistown, PA. Order and receive your testing results with ease and discretion. Our process is designed to ensure privacy while being user-friendly.
From scheduling to obtaining results, each step maintains confidentiality, providing peace of mind and a straightforward experience for those undergoing tests.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Duboistown, PA. Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures that cater to businesses of all sizes, coupled with fast turnaround times for results.
By offering economical testing solutions and rapid service, we provide excellent value for employers, affording them peace of mind and ensuring quick decision-making.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Duboistown, PA. Discover the unparalleled precision of hair follicle drug tests that provide swift and exact substance detection results. These tests ensure a high level of accuracy, making them a trusted option for identifying substance usage effectively and quickly.
Employing the most advanced techniques, hair testing delivers results swiftly without compromising on accuracy. This expedites the decision-making process for employers and institutions, ensuring reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Duboistown, PA. Hair follicle testing plays a crucial role in upholding compliance with drug-free workplace policies, helping to mitigate legal risks and fostering a safe working environment.
Employers trust hair testing for its capacity to assure comprehensive coverage of their drug policies, thus enhancing security and reducing concerns associated with substance abuse.