Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. It offers an extended timeline for substance detection, capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use over a duration of approximately three months. Its collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and it is easy to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, which is ideal for testing. For EtG, extensions, and/or testing exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accuracy. If scalp hair is insufficient, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" denotes only scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other forms (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, samples undergo initial processing into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample is sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes missing data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial scan for drug abuse signs. Though cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admission. Samples testing positive in Screening need further confirmation.
Samples deemed positive in Screening undergo Extraction by taking additional hair from the initial specimen. At this stage, drug compounds are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Positive results from Screening require Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, presumptive positive samples are cleaned if necessary. The complete lab progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hollidaysburg, PA focuses on highlighting the advantages of hair tests over traditional urine tests. A key benefit is superior detection accuracy over a longer period, which urine tests fail to match. This definitive assessment provides a thorough overview of substance use, ensuring trustworthy results that are pivotal for maintaining drug-free environments.
Extended Detection Window: Hair follicle testing in Hollidaysburg, PA provides an impressive analysis period of up to 90 days, far surpassing other testing methods. This extensive detection capability offers employers a comprehensive view of a person's drug history, crucial for making informed decisions about potential hires and current employees, ensuring workplace integrity and safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: In Hollidaysburg, PA, hair follicle tests stand out by significantly lowering the chances of sample tampering. The robustness of this method ensures that test results remain valid and reliable, underscoring its effectiveness in producing credible, unquestionable data that stakeholders can rely on for critical decisions.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations: In Hollidaysburg, PA, and beyond, our extensive network of testing centers ensures accessibility. Whether local or nationwide, these facilities offer quick, hassle-free access to services. This broad presence confirms our commitment to providing clients the convenience they need for efficient and seamless testing experiences.
Simple, Confidential Process: In Hollidaysburg, PA, we prioritize a straightforward and discreet approach for hair follicle testing. From ordering to receiving results, the process is designed with privacy in mind, reassuring clients of confidential handling and ease of participation, thus addressing common concerns regarding test administration and data protection.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: Our services in Hollidaysburg, PA underscore competitive pricing and rapid result delivery. This approach provides exceptional value for businesses, regardless of size. Our quick turnaround times ensure that testing needs are met efficiently, aligning with budget considerations while maintaining high-quality standards.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hollidaysburg, PA are a hallmark of hair follicle drug tests. These tests deliver a high level of precision, quickly detecting substance use with outstanding accuracy. Compared to other methods, they reliably provide results that clients can trust, making them an excellent choice for those who value promptness and dependability in testing outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for employers in Hollidaysburg, PA is achieved through hair follicle testing. This method supports adherence to drug-free policies by minimizing legal risks and promoting a safer workplace. Implementing such tests not only fortifies substance control measures but also reassures employers of their compliance and the wellbeing of their organization.
