Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a lasting record of substances by ensnaring biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. Gathering hair near the scalp offers an approximately 3-month window for detecting substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's width) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is preferred. We advise utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a matching quantity of body hair may be sampled. When referencing head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair alone. Body hair signifies all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The drug testing protocol in the lab encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s framework. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any remaining data input absent in the electronic custody record.
Screening entails an initial swift assessment for harmful substances. Despite being cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, court admissibility requires confirmation of a positive screen. Samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate a confirmatory assessment.
If a sample signals a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are retrieved from hair at a significantly reduced level compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to conduct.
Validation of any positive screening finding is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with preliminary positive results undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The holistic process, spanning Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
The advantages of hair testing over traditional urine tests are evident in Hereford, PA due to its superior detection accuracy.
Hair analysis provides a substantial edge by offering a more extended detection window, capturing a wider substance history than standard urine tests. Reliable results and unparalleled detection periods ensure hair testing is favored for comprehensive analysis over the usual urine tests.
Hair follicle testing offers an advantageous detection window, lasting up to 90 days, providing employers in Hereford, PA, with an expansive substance history overview.
This extended timeframe captures drug usage trends over time, offering key insights into an individual's substance history. Employers benefit from a thorough examination, empowering them to derive more informed hiring decisions.
The reliability of hair follicle tests in Hereford, PA stems from its tamper-resistant nature.
This testing method considerably reduces the risk of sample adulteration, yielding trustworthy and undeniable results.
Ensuring integrity in test outcomes, these tests provide peace of mind, with reduced possibilities of manipulation compared to other methodologies.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including local facilities in Hereford, PA, accessing drug testing services has never been easier. Our establishments ensure a straightforward and stress-free experience, eliminating the hassle associated with logistical challenges. Clients enjoy easy access to services, guaranteeing a seamless testing process, supported by our extensive network.
Hair follicle testing in Hereford, PA is characterized by a straightforward and confidential process.
From ordering to administering tests and receiving results, every stage is designed with simplicity and privacy in mind.
Addressing concerns regarding confidentiality, our procedures ensure personal data remains secure while simplifying the overall experience for users.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround are hallmarks of our hair follicle testing services in Hereford, PA. Our cost-effective structures provide excellent value, appealing to businesses regardless of size.
In combination with swift result provision, we offer clients an efficient solution that balances affordability with professional assurance, fostering trust and satisfaction.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests in Hereford, PA is unmatched, offering swift and precise identification of substance use.
This testing method ensures high accuracy levels, filtering out substances with an ability to detect usage efficiently. Speed and reliability make hair testing a preferred choice among employers, eager to make informed decisions promptly. Adjustments in screening ensure faster return of result without compromising reliability.
Employers can achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing in Hereford, PA.
This robust testing framework ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal liabilities.
Moreover, it's a formidable contribution towards enhancing safety and maintaining regulatory standards, fostering a secure working environment for all.