Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for pinpointing drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term drug and alcohol use history by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over a period of up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A sample of hair measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil), collected closest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair—ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of hair is preferred. It’s advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair isn’t available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we're referring solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other kinds (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the first stage in integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This encompasses ensuring the sample has been sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient option for eliminating drug use in the majority of samples, a confirmed positive screen is essential for legal proceedings. Any samples that test positive in Screening will require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample returns a positive result at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen to prepare for Extraction. At this stage, drug extraction from hair occurs at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening a more challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples positively screened are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly mentioned as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle under the scalp
Why does hair follicle testing surpass traditional urine testing in Lamar, PA? The key is in its superior detection capabilities. Hair analyses can trace substance use across an extended timeline, while standard urine tests are limited to detecting only recent consumption. This makes hair tests invaluable for entities committed to upholding stringent drug-free policies.
With industries increasingly leaning on robust testing methods, hair follicle analyses emerge as the go-to for thorough evaluations. Their ability to capture a wider snapshot of an individual's history offers unmatched insights, fostering informed decisions based on solid evidentiary bases.
In Lamar, PA, the extensive extended detection window provided by hair follicle testing grants employers insight into substance use over up to 90 days. This comprehensive tracking ability illustrates a full history of an individual's substance use habits, offering a clearer profile than traditional methods.
Understanding an individual's substance interaction over such a lengthy timeframe is critical for informed decisions, especially in environments where safety and compliance are paramount. This expansive window positions hair testing as a critical tool for effective monitoring.
In Lamar, PA, the tamper-resistant testing method offered by hair follicle analysis significantly mitigates risks of specimen alteration. This reliable practice ensures the authenticity of results, minimizing doubts about the testing process.
Employers and testing authorities value the integrity embedded in hair analysis due to its resistance to manipulation. This secure method guarantees that stakeholders can be confident in the data obtained, reinforcing trust and accountability in the testing protocol.
In Lamar, PA, the availability of extensive testing locations nationwide offers convenient access for individuals and employers needing swift service. Our widespread centers ensure testing is accessible and straightforward, minimizing complications.
The strategic placement of testing facilities ensures that no matter the location, individuals can efficiently proceed with testing procedures, reinforcing the commitment to accessible and hassle-free drug testing services.
In Lamar, PA, Accredited Drug Testing streamlines the hair follicle testing experience into a simple, confidential process. From scheduling to receiving results, we prioritize client privacy without sacrificing ease.
Our method demystifies the testing journey, ensuring that test subjects can focus on results without invasive procedures, thus ensuring a seamless, secure, and private experience for all involved.
In Lamar, PA, we pride ourselves on offering affordable pricing alongside fast turnaround times for hair follicle drug testing. These competitive rates guarantee excellent value without compromising on quality or service.
Approaching various business sizes, our cost-effective solutions ensure that financial constraints don't hinder access to high-standard testing, promoting safety and regulatory compliance in a cost-conscious landscape.
In Lamar, PA, hair follicle drug assessments offer fast, accurate, and reliable results, facilitating substance detection with remarkable precision. The advanced method ensures swift processing, highlighting its superiority over other testing forms by delivering results that are both comprehensive and dependable.
The accuracy of hair follicle evaluations stems from their ability to trace substances long after intake, establishing them as an indispensable tool for those requiring prompt and precise substance identification. This precision is particularly valuable for organizations prioritizing integrity in testing.
Ensuring compliance and peace of mind for employers in Lamar, PA, hair follicle testing supports adherence to drug-free workplace regulations. By utilizing this advanced testing method, employers can mitigate legal risks while enhancing workplace safety protocols.
Employers gain assurance in meeting regulatory standards through scientifically validated testing processes. This positions them to uphold a secure work environment preemptively, fostering a culture where safety and professionalism are prioritized.
