Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now widely recognized as a robust mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair acts as a prolonged record of alcohol and other drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol consumption over a span of up to three months. The collection of hair samples is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch specimen encompassing about 200 hair strands (roughly the dimension of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for preliminary screening and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. If scalp hair cannot be procured, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be sourced. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair includes other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Outline
The primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s framework. This step involves verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing ancillary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening involves an expedient assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive finding must be validated to be legally admissible. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If the Screening phase results in a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Pros of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing with traditional urine tests in Hopeland, PA, superior detection accuracy is evident. Hair tests provide extended detection periods over urine tests, which are limited to shorter windows. Employers relying on precise substance history find hair testing more reliable, as the detection timeframe of up to 90 days far exceeds the brief detection capability of urine tests, ensuring thorough substance usage insights.
Hair follicle testing in Hopeland, PA, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This longevity provides employers with a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. For both prospective hires and current employees, this capability enables a thorough assessment over a substantial time frame. This extended insight is crucial for maintaining workplace safety and ensuring informed employment decisions.
In Hopeland, PA, hair follicle testing excels as a tamper-resistant method. By reducing the risk of sample adulteration, it guarantees reliable results. This methodology assures authenticity, as samples are collected under supervision, making dishonest manipulations nearly impossible. Businesses benefit as results are unquestionable and trusted, safeguarding the integrity of workplace policies and ensuring genuine compliance with drug-free standards.
Hopeland, PA, benefits from convenient testing locations nationwide, ensuring easy access to Accredited Drug Testing centers. We provide quick, easy, and hassle-free testing services, catering to various testing requirements. This accessibility allows individuals and companies to quickly locate a center, maintaining the integrity of the testing process and eliminating barriers to seamless testing experiences.
In Hopeland, PA, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. We prioritize privacy and ease of use, from ordering to taking tests and receiving results. This ensures clients have a seamless experience with their privacy protected. We cater to privacy concerns sensitively, offering reassurance through each phase of the process, making hair testing accessible and user-friendly.
Accredited Drug Testing in Hopeland, PA offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times on hair follicle tests. Our competitive pricing ensures organizations of all sizes benefit from excellent value without compromising on quality. Quick results further enhance this value, providing timely information necessary for decision-making while keeping costs manageable, offering peace of mind to businesses seeking cost-effective testing solutions.
In Hopeland, PA, the accuracy and quick results of hair follicle tests are unmatched. These tests offer precise detection of substance usage, allowing businesses to depend on rapid insights. Precision in results ensures that employers receive accurate information, minimizing errors and enhancing decision-making processes. The speed of results without sacrificing accuracy is crucial for timely evaluations, making hair testing an invaluable asset in workplaces.
Employers in Hopeland, PA, using hair follicle tests gain peace of mind, adhering to workplace drug-free policies. This compliance minimizes legal risks, enhancing workplace safety by providing reliable detection over a longer period. Hair testing supports zero-tolerance environments by ensuring the accurate identification of substance use and assuring employers that their workforce is consistently monitored and adheres to company standards.
