Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can show a detection timeline of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 strands (approximately the same size as a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. We advise weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair isn’t available, the same quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of laboratory handling of a drug test result encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial processing of the sample into a lab’s system. This step entails verifying the correct sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive result must be validated to be legally allowable. All presumptively positive samples in Screening require further confirmation.
When a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most complex method.
Validation of any positive screening outcome is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation, if needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under 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 examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ellsworth, PA Hair follicle testing boasts superior detection accuracy compared to conventional urine tests. The extended detection period and resistance to tampering make it a valuable tool for effective drug policy enforcement. Employers in Ellsworth gain the benefit of a robust testing method, ensuring workplace safety and compliance with greater confidence.
Extended Detection Window in Ellsworth, PA Hair follicle testing offers an unparalleled detection window of up to 90 days, providing a broad overview of an individual's substance use history. This extended analysis period equips employers with valuable insights into an applicant or employee's habits, facilitating informed decision-making and supporting workplace safety initiatives.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ellsworth, PA The hair follicle drug test minimizes the likelihood of sample tampering, offering reliable and honest results. Its collection method significantly reduces risks associated with adulteration, assuring clients of the integrity of the testing process and resulting in trustworthy outcomes for professionals in critical environments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ellsworth, PA With a vast network of testing centers nationwide, obtaining a hair follicle drug test has never been simpler. Local sites in Ellsworth offer accessible services, ensuring a quick and smooth testing experience. This breadth of locations supports efficient and hassle-free access to top-tier testing resources.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ellsworth, PA Accredited Drug Testing guarantees a straightforward and private procedure, from ordering tests to receiving results. The entire process is designed with confidentiality in mind, offering reassurance to clients concerned about privacy. This user-friendly approach enhances ease of use and reinforces trust in the services provided.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ellsworth, PA Our competitive pricing and swift result delivery offer exceptional value to companies regardless of size. Accredited Drug Testing prioritizes affordability without sacrificing quality, ensuring businesses receive cost-effective services with rapid turnaround, facilitating efficient decision-making and operational excellence.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ellsworth, PA Hair follicle drug testing in Ellsworth offers unmatched precision and quick results. Testing captures comprehensive data for a reliable analysis, thanks to its high sensitivity to substance detection. Clients can trust the accuracy and speed of results, which surpass traditional methods. Trust in these dependable findings reinforces the service's exceptional reputation.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ellsworth, PA Adopting hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This reliable testing method minimizes legal risks while fostering a safe working environment. By incorporating this rigorous testing, employers can achieve peace of mind, knowing they contribute to a secure and productive workplace.