Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substances by trapping biomarkers within the fibers as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, it can reveal usage up to roughly three months back for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, reasonably resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hairs (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable amount of body hair can be utilized. When talking about head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively, whereas body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of laboratory analysis for drug testing consists of four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of processing a sample into the laboratory’s system. It entails confirming the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any further data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs. Although Screening cost-effectively eliminates drug use in most samples, any positive result necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that test positive in Screening require additional confirmation procedures.
In cases where a sample tests positive during Screening, further hair is taken from the sample for the Extraction phase. Drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than in other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing more complex.
Positive screens are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples testing presumptive positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing gives Kratzerville, PA, a significant edge over traditional urine tests. With a superior detection accuracy, hair tests provide a level of reliability that urine tests struggle to match.
While urine tests may detect recent drug use in Kratzerville, PA, hair follicle testing offers a broader detection window that captures a more extensive substance history, ensuring more comprehensive results.
One major advantage of hair follicle testing in Kratzerville, PA, is the extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers to understand an individual's substance history thoroughly.
This lengthy detection period gives employers in Kratzerville, PA, detailed insights into past drug use, supporting informed decision-making when evaluating current or prospective employees.
Hair follicle testing in Kratzerville, PA, significantly curtails the possibilities of sample tampering. The integrity of results is maintained, providing trustworthy and unquestionable outcomes.
The nature of hair follicle testing makes it nearly impossible for individuals in Kratzerville, PA, to alter the results, thus ensuring confidence and dependability in the detection process.
Accredited Drug Testing provides conveniently located testing centers nationwide and locally in Kratzerville, PA, ensuring users can access services smoothly and efficiently.
Our presence across the country, including in Kratzerville, PA, ensures that individuals and employers can rely on readily available testing services with minimal hassle.
The process of hair follicle testing in Kratzerville, PA, is designed to be straightforward and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease for individuals undergoing the test.
By emphasizing a user-friendly approach in Kratzerville, PA, individuals can order and receive results discreetly, addressing any concerns about confidentiality and ease of access.
Affordable pricing combined with quick turnaround times makes hair follicle testing in Kratzerville, PA, an excellent value for businesses of any size.
Our competitive pricing in Kratzerville, PA, offers significant cost savings without compromising on the fast, accurate results companies expect, enhancing overall value.
In Kratzerville, PA, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their swift, precise, and dependable outcomes. These tests excel in accurately identifying substance use, providing confidence in the results.
The speed at which results are obtained is a significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Kratzerville, PA. Their accuracy in detecting even low levels of substances helps ensure reliability, offering peace of mind for those needing fast answers.
For employers in Kratzerville, PA, hair follicle testing aligns with maintaining drug-free workplace policies, thus reducing the legal risks associated with substance abuse claims.
This method not only reinforces compliance in Kratzerville, PA, but it also augments workplace safety, offering employers peace of mind and a secure working environment.
