Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening has evolved into a significant resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer a prolonged history of alcohol and substance use by capturing biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can yield a detection period of up to about three months for both alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
An ideal 1.5-inch hair specimen of approximately 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, optimal for both screening and validation processes. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments surpassing 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. Measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale is suggested. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be collected. For head hair, we refer explicitly to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other forms of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory's drug test result processing involves four pivotal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially integrated into the laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample is appropriately sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any ancillary data entry not available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening proves economical in ruling out drug use in most samples, positive results necessitate confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that show presumptive positives during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples showing presumptive positives during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug screening as the most challenging methodology.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples showing presumptive positives are washed as necessary prior to confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being often called "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair strand rather than the scalp's hair follicle.
In East Washington, PA, the superior detection accuracy of hair follicle testing over urine tests cannot be ignored. Hair tests offer a more reliable picture of drug use history. Urine tests may provide only a brief snapshot, often missing deeper issues related to substance use. The advantages of hair testing are undeniable, offering an edge in thorough detection and assessment.
Hair follicle testing in East Washington, PA is exceptional due to its extended detection window. Unlike other tests, it spans up to 90 days, giving a detailed account of an individual's drug history. This approach ensures employers have a comprehensive overview, aiding in informed decision-making processes. With such an extensive timeframe, it is the preferred choice for capturing long-term substance usage.
In East Washington, PA, hair follicle testing is renowned for its tamper-resistant properties. The methodology significantly reduces sample adulteration risks, providing results that are reliable and unquestionable. While urine tests can be manipulated, hair tests ensure the integrity of the results, offering peace of mind to employers and legal officials alike.
In East Washington, PA, convenient testing locations through nationwide centers ensure testing is quick and hassle-free. Employers and individuals can access these services with ease, making the entire process streamlined. Our widespread availability reduces the time and effort needed to reach a testing site.
East Washington, PA offers a simple and confidential process for conducting hair follicle tests. From ordering to receiving results, the method is designed for ease and privacy. Addressing concerns of confidentiality, clients can trust that their information and results remain secure and privatized throughout the entire procedure.
Competitively priced and with fast turnaround, hair follicle testing in East Washington, PA offers exceptional value. Regardless of company size, our pricing structures ensure budget-friendly options without sacrificing quality. Quick result delivery makes the process efficient, offering companies the peace of mind they seek.
In East Washington, PA, hair follicle drug tests set a benchmark for precision and speed. Their high accuracy makes them an ideal solution for detecting substance use. Hair tests can swiftly identify the presence of narcotics, ensuring prompt results. This makes it easier for employers and legal entities to trust the outcome, knowing they have reliable data at hand.
For East Washington, PA businesses, hair follicle testing supports compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This form of testing not only minimizes legal risks but also enhances employee safety. Employing these tests provides employers with peace of mind, knowing they are using a method that aligns with health and safety standards.
