Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a detailed timeline of substance use by trapping indicators within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can yield a detection period of up to around 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (comparable in thickness to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is considered the preferred amount for both screening and validation. For tests like EtG, additions, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, this specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome consists of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is integrated into a lab system. This step involves ensuring the sample is correctly sealed and transported, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional information not supplied by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening is a rapid preliminary assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive outcome needs verification to be valid in legal settings. Samples that test as positive initially in Screening necessitate a secondary validation.
If Screening shows a sample to be potentially positive, additional hair is taken from the original sample and processed for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing one of the most complex methods to execute.
The Verification of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a potential positive result undergo a wash before verification as needed. The end-to-end laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the compliance to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
Hair follicle testing in Forbes Road, PA, offers superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. With a broader window of detection and difficulty to tamper with, hair testing provides a comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history, making it a preferred choice for employers and legal bodies.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle tests in Forbes Road, PA, uncover drug use over a prolonged timeframe, up to 90 days, allowing employers a detailed insight into a subject's drug history. This enduring detection capacity makes hair testing a robust tool for evaluating potential hires or employees thoroughly.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
The hair follicle test method in Forbes Road, PA, significantly diminishes the possibility of sample adulteration, producing reliable and indisputable results. Its robust nature ensures that the test samples remain secure and reflective of true substance usage, enhancing test integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient testing options in Forbes Road, PA, with numerous centers Nationwide. These locations ensure quick and efficient access to testing services, minimizing hassle for individuals and organizations seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Forbes Road, PA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease. From ordering to receiving results, the process is designed to protect sensitive information and streamline testing, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times in Forbes Road, PA, make hair follicle testing accessible for businesses of all sizes. This affordability combined with quick results offers notable value, reinforcing the importance and utility of these tests for organizations focused on efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Forbes Road, PA, hair follicle drug tests provide swift and reliable results. Their high precision in identifying substance use surpasses other testing methods, offering an efficient way to ensure a drug-free environment. These tests rapidly pinpoint substance use, delivering accurate data essential for policy compliance and peace of mind.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Utilizing hair follicle tests in Forbes Road, PA, helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies efficiently. This compliance reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, offering a reassuring measure for companies intent on maintaining a secure working environment.
