Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. This method can reveal a substance history over several months, as biomarkers are preserved within the hair as it grows. If taken near the scalp, hair samples can display drug and alcohol consumption data for up to three months. It is easy to collect, tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (about the same width as a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields a 100mg specimen, which is optimal for both screening and confirming results. For EtG or tests beyond a 10-panel scope, a specimen amounting to 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weight measurement is suggested. If scalp hair is not obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of lab handling for drug test results includes stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to integrating a sample into the lab's system through initial processing. This process checks that the sample is sealed and sent correctly, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes data input absent from an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening performs a speedy assessment for drug abuse evidence. Though it is economically efficient in ruling out drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be validated for legal suitability. Any screens that show a presumptive positive result necessitate further confirmation.
In the event that Screening produces a presumptive positive, additional hair from the original sample is allotted for Extraction. At this point, drugs are extracted from the sample at significantly diminished concentrations as opposed to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening among the most challenging techniques to conduct.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods accomplish Confirmation of results showing positive in screening. Preceding confirmation, all presumptive positives are cleansed as required. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category along with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed as "hair follicle tests", the assessment focuses on the hair itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Felton, PA, proves superior to traditional urine tests in multiple aspects. Enhanced detection accuracy is evident with its ability to identify longer-term drug use compared to the limited window that urine tests offer. This extended detection capability allows for comprehensive substance use history evaluation.
Moreover, reliability is a key advantage of hair testing. The observed collection process and robust analysis prevent tampering, ensuring the results accurately reflect an individual's substance use history, thus favoring hair tests over urine in many professional and legal contexts.
In Felton, PA, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window for drug use. Unlike other methods, hair testing can uncover substance use up to 90 days prior, providing employers with a detailed view of an applicant or employee's substance history.
The ability to track long-term substance use is a significant advantage for companies looking to assess patterns of behavior over time. This comprehensive overview helps inform decision-making processes and aligns with drug-free workplace policies, ensuring safety and compliance.
Felton, PA, benefits immensely from hair follicle tests that significantly reduce the chance of sample adulteration. The tamper-resistant nature of these tests ensures that the results are both reliable and unquestionable. This feature is vital for organizations aiming to maintain integrity in their drug testing processes.
The collection procedure, which is observed, assures authenticity, making it difficult to manipulate. Consequently, the results are more dependable compared to other testing methods, providing peace of mind and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
With convenient locations nationwide, including Felton, PA, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that hair follicle drug testing is readily accessible. The widespread network of testing centers guarantees quick and hassle-free service for individuals and businesses alike.
This expansive reach means that getting a test is simple and efficient, reducing delays and ensuring that testing needs are met promptly and professionally. Whether in local communities or across the country, our centers stand ready to provide reliable testing options.
In Felton, PA, Accredited Drug Testing provides a straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle drug testing. Ordering a test, the actual testing procedure, and getting results are all managed with a focus on privacy and ease, addressing user concerns about confidentiality.
The simplicity and security of the process encourage engagement, ensuring that those needing a test can proceed without complexity or worry, reinforcing trust in the testing system.
In Felton, PA, Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing structures alongside fast and efficient service. Our competitive rates, coupled with quick turnaround times, provide excellent value for companies of all sizes.
The focus on cost-effectiveness does not compromise on quality, ensuring that businesses can confidently utilize our testing services without financial strain. The swift processing of tests further enhances the appeal, keeping operational downtime to a minimum.
In Felton, PA, hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its precision and rapidity. Accuracy is paramount when detecting substance use, and hair tests excel in this regard by offering comprehensive results swiftly. Individuals and companies benefit from the fast turnaround time, ensuring that important decisions can be made based on reliable data.
The tests ensure high detection rates of substance use, even over extended durations. The accuracy is due to the method of collection and analysis, which minimizes errors and enhances reliability, making it a preferred choice for organizations requiring detailed substance use histories.
Employers in Felton, PA, find compliance with workplace drug-free policies simplified by using hair follicle testing. This method not only ensures adherence to these critical policies but also reduces legal risks.
The peace of mind offered by such a reliable testing method enhances workplace safety, mitigates potential liabilities, and supports a productive work environment. This comprehensive approach to drug testing assures that organizations can maintain a secure and compliant operational framework.
