Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken close to the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection period of up to 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, tough to tamper with, and straightforward to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment from roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, an optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended to weigh the sample. If hair from the scalp isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The primary stages of laboratory processing for a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This process ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any unsupplied data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might not have handled.
Screening consists of an initial rapid drug abuse check. Though cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, positive screenings necessitate confirmation to be legally defensible. Presumptively positive samples in Screening require secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are abstracted from hair at vastly lower concentrations than in other methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting why hair drug screening is notably challenging.
Any positive screening outcome is validated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before necessary confirmation. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When weighing hair follicle testing against the traditional urine method in Hop Bottom, PA, several advantages emerge. Hair tests excel in terms of both accuracy and reliability.
Benefits: Hair testing detects drug use with superior precision over a longer period compared to urine tests, providing a clearer overview of an individual's history, which is crucial for employers and legal authorities.
Hair follicle testing stands out for its extended detection span, invaluable in Hop Bottom, PA. By screening up to 90 days, hair tests give employers thorough insights into an individual's substance habits.
Long-term Insight: Unlike traditional methods, this long detection window allows employers to assess consistent patterns of use rather than isolated incidents.
In Hop Bottom, PA, hair follicle tests are known for their tamper-resistant nature. This assurance significantly lessens the likelihood of sample interference, ensuring test integrity.
Security: Hair testing's sophisticated methods make it nearly foolproof, protecting against adulteration attempts that might skew results.
Accredited Drug Testing offers both nationwide and local testing centers, including in Hop Bottom, PA, simplifying access to essential services.
Convenience: With numerous available locations, testing is quick and hassle-free, meeting the needs of individuals and businesses alike.
The hair follicle test process in Hop Bottom, PA, is designed to be straightforward and confidential, promising privacy for users.
Ease of Use: From ordering to collecting and receiving results, the journey is seamless, prioritizing user comfort and data protection.
In Hop Bottom, PA, hair follicle testing is not only competitively priced but also offers a swift turnaround, providing excellent value.
Cost-effective: Our pricing models cater to companies of various sizes, ensuring affordability without sacrificing quality.
In Hop Bottom, PA, hair follicle drug tests are lauded for their fast and reliable outcomes. The precision of these tests ensures an accurate reflection of an individual's substance use over time.
Quick and Precise: Within days, the results are ready, allowing for timely decision-making. Hair tests reduce the waiting period without compromising accuracy.
For employers in Hop Bottom, PA, compliance with drug-free policies is enhanced through hair follicle testing. This method supports adherence to regulations, minimizing legal concerns.
Workplace Safety: With accurate and reliable testing, employers maintain secure environments, ensuring company-wide benefits.
