Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair strands archive a long-term history of substance use by integrating biomarkers within their fibers. When samples are taken near the scalp, hair testing offers a detection window of roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easily transported.
A 1.5-inch segment from around 200 hair strands (equivalent in size to a #2 pencil) from nearest the scalp yields 100mg, the preferred amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Use a jeweler’s scale for accurate weighing of the sample. In instances where scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal phases in laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s apparatus. This step includes ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling out any necessary data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening costs less and can exclude drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be validated to hold up in court. Any samples suggestive of positivity in Screening require confirmatory testing.
If a sample appears positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug testing one of the most complex methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each sample indicated as presumptively positive undergoes washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests actually analyze the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Greens Landing, PA, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests in multiple ways. Its detection period is far superior, highlighting drug use across a more extended timeline, which enhances reliability in results.
Furthermore, hair testing's resistance to tampering makes it more trustworthy, offering a comprehensive approach that urine tests cannot match, especially when accuracy is paramount.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Greens Landing, PA, provides a clear advantage. Employers benefit from a broad view of substance use history, up to 90 days, allowing for informed hiring decisions.
Such long-term insights are invaluable for maintaining a safe workplace, as they contrast markedly against the limited timeframe of urine tests, which only capture recent drug use.
The integrity of hair follicle tests in Greens Landing, PA, is unmatched due to their tamper-resistant nature. By significantly reducing sample adulteration, these tests ensure reliable outcomes.
Employers can trust the results, confident that the information accurately reflects the test subject's substance use, thus minimizing opportunities for manipulation and fraudulent activity.
For those in Greens Landing, PA, the availability of nationwide and local testing locations makes access to hair follicle testing convenient. Our widespread centers ensure quick and easy testing service access.
With locations near and far, anyone in need can readily find a facility, avoiding lengthy travel and ensuring prompt completion of tests as needed.
Residents of Greens Landing, PA, experience a straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle testing. From ordering to receiving results, the process is designed for privacy and simplicity.
Ensuring user privacy throughout, the process is guarded and streamlined, catering to the confidentiality demands of individuals and organizations alike.
The affordability of our hair follicle tests in Greens Landing, PA, makes them accessible for businesses of all sizes, while the rapid turnaround times contribute to effective decision-making.
Our competitive pricing model aligns with the desire for value without compromising the quality or speed of service, providing peace of mind for those managing budgets.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests in Greens Landing, PA, is a standout feature. These tests deliver accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring swift and reliable results. With their enhanced sensitivity, they can identify a wide range of substances.
Efficiency is another hallmark of hair follicle testing. In Greens Landing, PA, this method quickly determines the presence of drugs without compromising on precision, making it ideal for employers and legal entities seeking prompt outcomes.
Hair follicle testing in Greens Landing, PA, aids employers in ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method bolsters safety and reduces legal liabilities.
By integrating such a reliable testing regimen, companies enjoy peace of mind, knowing they are safeguarding their workforce while adhering to necessary regulatory standards.
