Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has evolved into an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of a growing hair strand trap biomarkers, offering a prolonged record of alcohol and other substance use. Hair samples closest to the scalp can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to around 3 months. It’s straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (resembling the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is optimal for analysis and validation. For EtG add-ons or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. The sample should ideally be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be obtained. When discussing head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the laboratory includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial management of a specimen within a lab’s system. It requires verifying proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid test for substance abuse. Though a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive Screening requires confirmation to hold up in court. Any samples giving a presumptive positive result during Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
Presumptive positive samples from Screening see more hair extracted from the original sample for Extraction. In Extraction, substances are removed from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug analysis particularly challenging.
Confirmation of positive results in screenings is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned as required before confirmation. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the strand, not the follicle under the scalp
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in Kirkwood, PA, with its extended detection capabilities. While urine tests are useful, hair testing offers unrivaled accuracy, reflecting substance use over a longer duration. Employers, courts, and treatment professionals increasingly favor hair testing for its reliability and the ability to detect up to 90 days of drug history, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use background.
In Kirkwood, PA, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, covering up to 90 days of substance use. This wide window allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an employee or applicant's drug history. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests provide a detailed timeline of substance use, proving invaluable for organizations that prioritize a drug-free environment and require in-depth information on substance use history.
Hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant solution for drug testing in Kirkwood, PA. The method significantly reduces the chance of sample adulteration, ensuring that results are reliable and legitimate. This feature is particularly crucial for companies and legal systems requiring impeccable accuracy and integrity in their drug testing procedures. Hair tests provide a secure and unquestionable method for verifying drug use.
With numerous testing centers nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled convenience in Kirkwood, PA. Accessing drug testing services is swift and straightforward, with various locations ready to serve you. Whether locally in Kirkwood or elsewhere, our broad network of facilities ensures that testing is always within reach, providing easy access and removing the hassles typically associated with finding reliable testing services.
In Kirkwood, PA, the process of hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed to prioritize privacy and ease. Accredited Drug Testing ensures that the entire process is straightforward and respects the confidentiality of participants, ensuring that personal information and test results remain protected throughout.
Accredited Drug Testing in Kirkwood, PA, combines affordable pricing with rapid turnaround to deliver excellent value. Companies, regardless of size, can take advantage of competitive pricing structures, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality. Quick response times further add to the appeal, delivering timely results that align with cost-efficiency and result in peace of mind.
Hair follicle testing in Kirkwood, PA offers exceptional precision and speed in detecting substance abuse. With its advanced methods, it guarantees accurate results, vital for ensuring safety and compliance. The cutting-edge technology allows quick processing, providing peace of mind for employers and test takers alike. Whether for personal or professional needs, this method stands out for its reliability and efficiency.
Employers in Kirkwood, PA, can achieve peace of mind using hair follicle testing as a means to enforce compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and enhances safety, ensuring policies are upheld stringently. The reliable detection and difficulty of manipulation give employers confidence that they maintain a secure work environment, minimizing potential legal and safety threats.
