Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's growing fibers. When hair is collected near the scalp, it allows for a detection period of up to about 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's size) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirming results. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, and so on).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a specimen into a lab’s system. This process confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment to check for drug misuse. Although Screening efficiently rules out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be admissible in legal settings. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentatively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if required. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Advantages of Hair Testing Over Urine Testing in Hawthorn, PA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability. This method's extensive window gives employers a better understanding of an individual's drug use history. Thus, in Hawthorn, PA, hair testing proves more effective for thorough and dependable drug analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Hawthorn, PA
Unlike other tests, hair follicle analysis can detect drug use up to 90 days, offering a broad view of substance history. This long detection window equips employers in Hawthorn, PA, with crucial data to evaluate an applicant or employee’s past behavior, aiding thorough risk assessment.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing in Hawthorn, PA
Hair follicle tests have a noteworthy advantage in mitigating sample tampering. This method significantly reduces risks of adulteration, ensuring consistent and unambiguous outcomes. For Hawthorn, PA employers, this reliability is critical in maintaining confidence in their test results.
Convenient Testing Anywhere, Including Hawthorn, PA
With numerous nationwide testing centers, including local sites in Hawthorn, PA, accessing hair follicle testing is simple and swift. Our services ensure ease and efficiency, providing hassle-free testing solutions for everyone, regardless of their location across the country.
Effortless and Confidential Testing in Hawthorn, PA
The process for ordering, completing, and receiving results from a hair follicle test is straightforward and private. Residents in Hawthorn, PA benefit from a system designed to protect privacy while offering a seamless testing experience, ensuring comfort and confidentiality at every step.
Competitive Pricing and Quick Results in Hawthorn, PA
Our competitive pricing and expedited service deliver exceptional value across all business sizes. Companies in Hawthorn, PA, benefit from affordable options and a rapid turnaround, enhancing satisfaction while ensuring stringent drug testing standards are met.
Fast and Unmatched Accuracy in Hawthorn, PA
The precision and quick turnaround of hair follicle drug tests make them stand out. This method provides high accuracy, swiftly identifying substance use, ensuring reliable results. In Hawthorn, PA, professionals rely on this advanced technology to make informed decisions, thanks to its dependable and rapid results.
Ensuring Compliance and Employer Assurance in Hawthorn, PA
Using hair follicle testing helps employers uphold drug-free policies, minimizing legal liabilities and bolstering workplace safety. This approach in Hawthorn, PA, affords peace of mind, ensuring that employers abide by compliance standards and maintain a safe work environment.
