Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now acknowledged as a potent method for detecting use of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a prolonged record of drug and alcohol usage by capturing biomarkers within its developing fibers. When cut near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use up to roughly a 90-day period. This method is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands—approximately the size of a standard #2 pencil—nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and verification. For EtG add-ons or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is preferred. It's advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unattainable, an equivalent portion of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other forms (such as facial or underarm).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug testing results consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially incorporated into the laboratory’s system. This stage involves checking the sample's seal and shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry that an electronic chain of custody system hasn't already provided.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for substance misuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method for negating drug use across most samples, a positive screen mandates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo secondary verification.
If a presumptive positive is detected in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to facilitate Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other methods (like urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most complex technique to execute.
Positive Screening results' Confirmation is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes termed "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Grandview, PA, offers several advantages over traditional urine tests. With their ability to reveal substance use over an extended period, these tests provide more comprehensive data. This advantage is crucial, particularly for organizations prioritizing strict regulatory adherence.
Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing delivers near-immediate, dependable results unaffected by short-term abstinence or detox routines. Such reliability aids in the enforcement of stringent zero-tolerance policies for substance use.
Offering an extended detection window, hair follicle drug testing in Grandview, PA, reviews up to 90 days of an individual's drug use history. This prolonged period allows employers to obtain a thorough understanding of an applicant's or employee's substance habits, vital for maintaining a safe workplace.
By detecting long-term drug usage, these tests deliver a comprehensive picture that aids employers in making informed hiring or retention decisions, boosting overall safety and productivity within their teams.
In Grandview, PA, hair follicle testing presents a tamper-resistant method that significantly reduces the opportunity for sample adulteration. This feature ensures reliable and trustworthy outcomes, instilling trust in the testing process for employers and organizations.
This resilience against tampering is a key consideration for companies looking to maintain secure drug testing protocols. The difficulty in manipulating results assures confidence in the reliability of each test conducted.
With accessible nationwide testing centers, including those in Grandview, PA, we ensure convenient access to hair follicle drug testing services. Clients benefit from a seamless process, enhancing efficiency and ease.
The availability of local centers means quick, uncomplicated testing experiences, designed to accommodate the busy schedules of both individuals and organizations seeking thorough and expedient results.
Our hair follicle testing process in Grandview, PA, prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality at every step. From ordering a test to obtaining results, the process is straightforward, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum privacy.
Concerns regarding personal data are addressed with secure handling protocols, providing reassurance regarding the confidentiality of all testing information, crucial in today's privacy-conscious environment.
Affordable pricing structures and fast turnaround times characterize our hair follicle testing offerings in Grandview, PA. This combination delivers excellent value for companies of any size, supporting fiscal responsibility and timely decision-making.
Our competitive pricing, combined with the swift delivery of results, eases financial strains and ensures that organizations can maintain their operations with minimal interruption, enhancing overall efficiency.
In Grandview, PA, hair follicle tests stand out for their precision and efficiency. These tests quickly identify substance use with high accuracy, important for today's fast-paced requirements. The reliability of these tests makes them a preferred choice for individuals and organizations seeking thorough results.
The rapid turnaround of hair follicle testing results allows quick decision-making, a critical factor for businesses relying on swift recruitment or compliance processes. The advanced technology behind these evaluations ensures confidence in each outcome.
Employers in Grandview, PA, can achieve compliance and assurance by utilizing hair follicle testing services. As part of a comprehensive drug-free policy, these tests play a critical role in ensuring compliance and mitigating potential legal concerns.
By adopting hair follicle methods, organizations not only enhance workplace safety but also reassure stakeholders of their commitment to maintaining a secure, compliant environment, thereby gaining invaluable peace of mind.