Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. The hair provides a lasting record of substance use due to the entrapment of biomarkers within the hair fibers as they grow. When hair samples are taken near the scalp, they can offer a detection period of up to about three months for substances. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and it is uncomplicated to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches in length, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil), close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for assessment and verification. For extended tests such as EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to collect 150mg of hair. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for precise weighing of the specimen is suggested. Should scalp hair not be an option, an equivalent portion of body hair is suitable. "Head hair" specifically refers to hair from the scalp. "Body hair" encompasses all other non-scalp hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results includes four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s framework, ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid analysis for the presence of drugs. Although Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use across the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening do necessitate secondary confirmation.
If the Screening phase yields a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are extracted at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluids), thus making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptively positive undergo a washing before confirmation as required. The full laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, but the test actually examines the strand of hair, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lansdowne, PA, hair follicle testing emerges as a superior method over urine testing. The advantage lies in its ability to detect substance use and provide highly reliable results. This precision ensures that employers and legal authorities gain accurate understanding, eliminating guesswork and increasing trust in the screening process.
Urine tests have their place, but hair follicle testing offers longer detection windows. This robustness makes hair testing paramount for entities prioritizing uncompromised accuracy and reliability, establishing a new standard in substance detection practice.
Employers in Lansdowne, PA, benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, tracing back drug use up to 90 days. This extended observation period provides a broader view of an individual's substance history, assisting in more informed decision-making related to employment or legal inquiries.
This method excels in revealing patterns of behavior over months, not days, unlike traditional urine tests. Thus, offering a comprehensive overview that goes beyond momentary substance use, ensuring deeper analysis and informed strategies for substance management.
One undeniable benefit of hair follicle tests in Lansdowne, PA, is their tamper-resistant nature. Providing reliable and unquestionable results, this method significantly lowers the likelihood of sample contamination or manipulation, ensuring accuracy and security in drug testing.
Empowering employers and judicial entities, hair testing drastically minimizes the risk of tampering. This trustworthy method guarantees that results are true to the tested sample, eliminating doubts and reinforcing its role as the gold standard in drug testing integrity.
Accredited Drug Testing offers unmatched convenience through numerous national and local testing sites, including those in Lansdowne, PA. With easily accessible locations, individuals benefit from quick, seamless testing experiences, eliminating the stress associated with the process.
The proximity of these centers enhances accessibility, ensuring efficient service delivery and satisfaction. Maximize convenience by tapping into our broadly distributed locations, crafted for ease and minimal disruption to daily routines.
Beneath its robust framework is a simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing in Lansdowne, PA. Tailored to ease concerns, it ensures privacy in ordering, testing, and receiving results, making this method user-friendly and discreet.
Every step from initiation to results is streamlined for a smooth experience. Clients can trust in the confidentiality and simplicity provided, focusing on their needs without the burden of complexity or concerns over privacy breaches.
In Lansdowne, PA, Accredited Drug Testing ensures hair follicle tests offer competitive pricing while maintaining fast turnaround times. These elements combined provide remarkable value and assurance for businesses, no matter their size, through cost-effective and timely solutions.
Our pricing structure, aligned with swift result delivery, makes quality drug testing accessible, supporting varying enterprise needs. With assured affordability, we offer organizations the peace of mind they deserve in managing their operational drug testing strategies.
The hair follicle drug test is celebrated for its precision and efficiency, offering fast, accurate, and reliable results in Lansdowne, PA. This method stands out for identifying substance use effectively, enabling users to obtain trusted outcomes swiftly and confidently.
Due to its distinguished detection accuracy, hair follicle testing assures a quick assessment, crucial for employers and other stakeholders seeking timely insights. Outperforming other methods, results from these tests are not only prompt but carry a high level of reassurance and precision.
In Lansdowne, PA, hair follicle testing reinforces workplace safety and compliance, aligning with drug-free workplace policies. By minimizing legal risks, this method offers peace of mind for employers, fostering a supportive work environment and emphasizing organizational responsibility.
Hair testing's reliability ensures employers meet compliance standards effortlessly. Adopting this testing method not only enhances workplace safety but also unites the workforce under a shared commitment to a drug-free space, boosting overall company morale and trust.
