Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a long-term profile of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. When sampled close to the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to about three months for substances and alcohol. It's easy to collect, somewhat hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) right at the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG or additional tests over 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. It's preferable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug test result process includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is first integrated into a laboratory’s system, ensuring it was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any pending data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid test for illicit substances. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to rule out drug presence in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation for court acceptability. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples marked presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations relative to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation on positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples showing presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation if required. The whole lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Elizabethtown, PA overtakes urine tests, thanks to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Compared to urine tests, hair examinations cover a more extended span, noting drug use over months rather than days. This expanded timeline allows a more thorough view of an individual's substance use history, reducing the chance of false negatives and boosting the reliability of test outcomes.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Elizabethtown, PA is its extended detection window. Unlike traditional urine tests that scan a short usage period, hair tests can uncover substances used over the previous 90 days. Employers gain a broader perspective on an individual's past substance interactions, facilitating more informed decisions regarding employee hiring and retention based on a comprehensive substance history review.
In Elizabethtown, PA, hair follicle tests are notably tamper-resistant, providing more dependable outcomes. These tests have robust measures that significantly reduce the risk of adulteration compared to other methods like urine tests. The integrity of the sample collected is preserved, making the results unquestionably reliable and granting peace of mind by minimizing the chances of manipulation or deception in the testing process.
With an expansive network of testing sites across Elizabethtown, PA, hair follicle testing offers convenience. Our immensely accessible nationwide centers ensure that individuals have quick and easy access to reliable testing services. This widespread availability minimizes the logistical burdens of testing, enabling a seamless and hassle-free experience for clients, whether local or from other regions, aiming to undergo testing.
The process for hair follicle testing in Elizabethtown, PA is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step prioritizes privacy and ease. Clients benefit from a streamlined process that respects individual confidentiality ensuring that their information and results are securely managed. This approach alleviates concerns regarding privacy, promoting user confidence throughout the testing process.
Elizabethtown, PA residents benefit from affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in hair follicle testing. Competitive pricing structures mean companies, regardless of size, get exceptional value. Quick result delivery ensures timely decision-making. Aligning costs with speedy results offers a winning combination, providing exemplary service without compromising on the quality or reliability of outcomes.
In Elizabethtown, PA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast and reliable results. The precision of these tests ensures that substances are accurately detected. Their rapid turnaround time means that critical decisions can be made promptly, benefiting both employers and individuals worried about substance use. These tests provide results that are not only quick but also of high accuracy, building trust in their efficacy.
Employers in Elizabethtown, PA find peace of mind through hair follicle testing, thanks to its ability to ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By choosing this method, businesses reduce legal risks and support a safer work environment. Hair testing is aligned with stringent drug policies, offering an additional layer of protection and ensuring that workplace regulations are effectively upheld and followed.
