Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate three-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg, which is the preferred amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional assessments, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, it is advisable to collect 150mg. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to measure the sample's weight. If head hair cannot be obtained, equivalent body hair may be used. Head hair pertains specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair covers all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing procedure in a lab comprises four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample in the lab's system. This step verifies proper sample sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any manual data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers an initial swift assessment for abused substances. While it provides a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal acceptance. Any samples that are tentatively positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a preliminary positive result at Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. This process retrieves drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), rendering hair drug testing the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive samples are washed before confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the procedure analyzes the hair strand, not the subcutaneous follicle.
Why Hair Tests Excel Over urine testing, hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy. The reliability of hair testing ensures a more comprehensive analysis of substance use over time. This method boosts employers' confidence in screening processes, due to its ability to capture a wider historical record of drug use compared to traditional urine tests.
Hair tests outperform urine tests in Leesport, PA by offering heightened accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which may miss substances consumed days before testing, hair testing provides a robust detection period covering weeks to months of potential use, making it a preferred choice among various stakeholders.
Extended Detection Hair follicle drug testing offers a remarkable detection window of up to 90 days, giving employers in Leesport, PA a more detailed overview of an individual's drug use history. This long-term detection capability provides a comprehensive picture, maximizing the effectiveness of workplace drug policies and planning processes.
Using a hair follicle test drastically reduces the risk of tampering, providing results that are both reliable and irrefutable. This testing method is thwarted by neither adulteration nor substitution as commonly faced by urine tests. It offers security in Leesport, PA, ensuring that the integrity of testing is never compromised.
Conveniently positioned centers across Leesport, PA and nationwide ensure seamless access to hair follicle drug testing. With our established locations, getting tested is straightforward and hassle-free, making it easier than ever to integrate these vital processes into routine business procedures.
Experience a simple and confidential testing process suited for Leesport, PA residents. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step respects your privacy. The ease of use and discretion offered in this process provide reassurance to all participants, addressing confidentiality concerns adeptly.
Offering affordable pricing and speedy turnaround, our hair follicle drug testing services in Leesport, PA deliver outstanding value to businesses regardless of size. Competitive pricing coupled with swift result delivery ensures that employers receive quality service without financial strain or unnecessary delays.
The hair follicle drug test is renowned for its high level of accuracy and speed, providing fast results that are essential for decision-making in Leesport, PA. The test is adept at detecting a range of substances with remarkable precision, ensuring that the findings are dependable and timely. Employers rely on these characteristics to uphold safety and reliability in the workplace.
Employers in Leesport, PA gain significant compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method helps maintain adherence to drug-free workplace policies, effectively lowering legal risks and promoting a safer work environment. It's a strategic choice towards safeguarding both employees and business interests.
