Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has increasingly become recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged history of alcohol and substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands' structure as they develop. By sampling hair near the scalp, it is possible to detect the presence of alcohol and drugs for a period extending up to about three months. The collection process for hair is straightforward, tampering with samples is relatively challenging, and transportation is hassle-free.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, ideal for preliminary and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional requirements, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. Reference to head hair pertains to scalp hair exclusively. Body hair denotes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results entails four critical phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial registration of a specimen into a lab's system. This process includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and concluding any supplementary data entry not fulfilled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary swift examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result mandates confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If Screening indicates a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, lower concentrations of drugs are extracted from hair compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptive positive are cleaned pre-confirmation as per requirement. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited 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: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and excludes the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Joanna, PA, hair follicle testing often surpasses traditional urine tests. One of the primary benefits is the superior detection accuracy that hair testing offers. While urine tests cover a shorter detection window, hair follicle tests extend much further, providing a more detailed substance use history.
Additionally, hair testing's reliability is unmatched, making it a preferred choice for organizations with strict drug-free policies.
The longer detection span and difficulty in tampering with hair samples make hair testing an ideal solution for employers who value comprehensive assessments over the more limited urine testing capabilities.
Hair follicle tests in Joanna, PA, offer an extended detection window of up to 90 days.
This duration enables a more thorough evaluation of an individual's substance use history, making it invaluable to employers seeking a full picture of potential hires.
Unlike other tests, this period provides an unmatched look back, ensuring that substance issues are flagged early.
The insights gained from such extended windows assist in making informed decisions, thereby enhancing workplace safety and effectiveness in substance monitoring.
The integrity of hair follicle testing in Joanna, PA, lies in its resistance to tampering.
Hair tests are notably difficult to adulterate compared to urine testing, providing stakeholders confidence in the accuracy of results.
Such a robust testing method eliminates doubts over sample integrity, offering peace of mind.
By mitigating tampering risks, hair follicle tests ensure that the process remains transparent and honest, a crucial factor for industries relying on genuine substance assessments.
In Joanna, PA, the availability of nationwide testing centers ensures convenient access to testing services. Our broad network allows for quick and hassle-free testing, essential for timely decision-making.
Local centers make it feasible for residents and businesses to easily engage in drug testing services without lengthy travel.
The convenience provided by such widespread access is unmatched, setting a benchmark for efficiency.
For residents, this means seamless integration of drug testing into daily routines, enhancing accessibility and fostering rapid service deployment.
The drug testing process in Joanna, PA, is streamlined for simplicity and confidentiality.
From ordering the test to receiving the results, the procedure is designed to safeguard privacy while ensuring ease of use. Concerns about data security are addressed, assuring users of the process's integrity.
Our approach minimizes complications, making the drug testing journey straightforward for everyone involved, from individuals to corporate clients, without compromising on privacy or convenience.
Our services in Joanna, PA, offer competitively priced hair follicle tests with swift turnaround times. The cost-effectiveness of these services enables companies, regardless of size, to benefit from reliable testing without financial strain.
Fast result delivery means stakeholders can make informed decisions promptly, enhancing operational efficiency.
The combination of affordability and quick processing provides excellent value, contributing to maintaining safe, compliant workplaces.
Joanna, PA demands fast, precise drug testing solutions, where hair follicle tests meet these expectations. A major advantage is the speed with which results are obtained, ensuring timely assessments.
The thoroughness of the test ensures that substance use is detected with high accuracy, providing reliable results that stakeholders, including employers and court officials, can trust.
The advanced technology behind hair follicle testing minimizes false positives, making it a preferred choice in environments where accuracy is paramount. With such benefits, more organizations are turning to this method over others.
Employers in Joanna, PA, find peace of mind by using hair follicle testing to uphold workplace policies. Compliance with drug-free standards protects businesses from legal challenges.
By opting for hair testing, companies minimize legal risks and ensure they adhere to industry regulations, reinforcing the commitment to a safe working environment.
This commitment to compliance through precise testing methods enhances trust and safety in workplaces, benefiting both businesses and their employees.
