Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by locking biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a near 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests like EtG add-ons or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We advise using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be used, a comparable amount of body hair may be obtained. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process for laboratory analysis of a drug test result includes four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial steps of processing a specimen into a lab's system. This step comprises ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary swift check for drugs. Although Screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be permissible in legal cases. Any presumptively positive samples from Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this stage, substances are isolated from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening among the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptively positive sample undergoes a wash before confirmation as required. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The advantages of hair follicle tests over urine tests are evident in their remarkable detection accuracy and reliability. In Lavelle, PA, these tests offer a superior alternative, capturing a broader history of drug use than traditional urine tests. Employers benefit from this broader detection scope, which facilitates better-informed decisions concerning potential hires and current employees.
The benefits of a prolonged detection window in hair follicle tests are unmatched in Lavelle, PA. Identifying drug use over up to 90 days, these tests give employers a detailed view of an individual's substance use history. This extended timeframe enhances hiring decisions, offering confidence that potential employees meet the organization's substance-free standards.
Hair follicle testing in Lavelle, PA, is celebrated for its tamper-resistant quality. Unlike other test methods, this test significantly curtails the risk of sample adulteration. The reliability of results facilitated by this test method provides unquestionable data that organizations can trust, minimizing the risk of inaccurate or manipulated outcomes.
With numerous convenient testing centers nationwide, including Lavelle, PA, accessing hair follicle testing has never been easier. Our centers offer hassle-free and speedy testing services, ensuring that individuals and businesses can meet their drug testing needs promptly. This extensive network emphasizes convenience and accessibility for clients nationwide.
In Lavelle, PA, the process of conducting hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed with privacy in mind, alleviating concerns about the security of personal information. This simplicity ensures that tests are easy to manage, providing an experience that respects client confidentiality.
The competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Lavelle, PA, highlight the value of hair follicle drug testing services. We offer affordable pricing structures, making high-quality testing accessible for companies of all sizes. This economical choice ensures organizations get the best service without compromising on speed or reliability.
In Lavelle, PA, the accuracy and promptness of hair follicle drug testing stand out. By detecting substance use with high precision, these tests provide quick results that companies can rely upon for making informed decisions. The method's high accuracy rate helps organizations maintain a drug-free environment while ensuring rapid feedback, strengthening organizational trust in test outcomes.
The role of hair follicle testing in ensuring compliance with workplace policies is essential for employers in Lavelle, PA. By aligning with drug-free policies, employers mitigate legal risks while bolstering workplace safety. Hair testing offers peace of mind, underpinning a secure environment where employee productivity and safety are prioritized.
