Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, providing a comprehensive history of substance use by capturing biomarkers in the matrix of the hair strand as it grows. By collecting strands from near the scalp, hair offers the potential for detecting substances within an approximately 90-day frame. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and the samples are easy to transport.
An ideal sample for analysis and validation includes a 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) cut closest to the scalp, weighing about 100mg. For EtG additions and/or extensive tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is not available, the equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Here, head hair specifically means scalp hair, while body hair pertains to all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory evaluation of a drug test result involves four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the sample's initial induction into the lab’s database. This step verifies if the sample is securely sealed and properly dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any missing data entries not captured by an electronic custody system.
Screening conducts an initial assessment for potential abuse substances. Although Screening is economically efficient for eliminating drug use for the majority of samples, any positive screening must be confirmed to hold legal validity. Those samples suspected as positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
For samples identified as presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this stage, the drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to alternative methods like urine or oral fluid testing, which makes hair drug testing notably challenging.
Confirmation of any presumptive positives found in Screening is completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Before confirmation, all predicted positive samples undergo washing as needed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly misunderstood as "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Lanesboro, PA, offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Unlike urine tests, which have a limited detection window, hair testing can identify substance use over a more extended period, up to 90 days. This leads to more accurate insights into an individual's drug use history.
Moreover, hair tests are not easily tampered with, reducing the likelihood of false negatives. This presents a more reliable detection method, providing employers and institutions with greater confidence in the results obtained from hair testing compared to urine tests.
In contrast to other testing techniques, hair follicle testing in Lanesboro, PA, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This unparalleled range provides employers with a detailed understanding of an individual's substance usage history over a more extended period.
Employing this method effectively highlights patterns that might remain hidden with shorter-term testing options. Consequently, it empowers organizations with insights necessary for making informed decisions regarding substance use policies.
Hair follicle tests in Lanesboro, PA, are designed to minimize the risk of alteration or tampering, ensuring unwavering result accuracy. Unlike other methods susceptible to substitution or dilution, hair testing drastically reduces the chances of sample tampering.
By utilizing a rigid collection process and the unique nature of hair samples, this method provides incontestable results. As a result, employers can confidently rely on the findings to inform important decisions.
Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled convenience in Lanesboro, PA, with nationwide testing centers strategically located for easy access. This network ensures a hassle-free and streamlined approach to drug testing services.
Our local facilities offer rapid and straightforward service, allowing individuals and companies to access testing with minimal delay. Convenient locations maximize efficiency, helping meet time-sensitive requirements.
Our simple and confidential process in Lanesboro, PA, guarantees privacy and ease for all users. From ordering the test to receiving results, every step is designed with discretion in mind.
The streamlined procedure ensures a seamless experience, addressing any privacy concerns users might have while maintaining the highest standards of service and confidentiality throughout the process.
In Lanesboro, PA, our service stands out with affordable pricing and quick turnaround times, providing exceptional value. Whether for small businesses or large corporations, our competitive pricing structures cater to varied needs.
Our swift result delivery guarantees timely feedback, allowing organizations to make informed decisions without unnecessary delays. This efficiency solidifies our role as a trusted testing service provider.
Recognized for their precision and speed, hair follicle drug tests in Lanesboro, PA, deliver results that are both efficient and reliable. Capable of detecting a wide range of substances, these tests offer remarkable accuracy, ensuring any drug use is quickly and accurately identified.
Substance detection using hair testing surpasses that of traditional methods, providing a more comprehensive view of use patterns. This method's reliability and swift results make it an excellent choice for organizations looking for trustworthy testing solutions.
By leveraging hair follicle testing in Lanesboro, PA, employers can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This approach significantly minimizes legal liabilities and enhances the safety of work environments.
The comprehensive detection capabilities of hair tests empower organizations with invaluable information, contributing to peace of mind for employers and fostering safer work conditions for all employees.
