Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair that is growing. When collected near the scalp, hair offers up to an approximate three-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Its collection process is straightforward, it is somewhat resistant to tampering, and it is convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch strand consisting of roughly 200 hairs (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If no scalp hair is available, a corresponding quantity of body hair may be utilized. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. This step involves confirming the sample was adequately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any supplemental information absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to disregard drug use for most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be valid in court. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening must go through secondary confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. This phase retrieves drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Samples deemed presumptive positive are washed prior to confirmation, as required. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the scalp's hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Melrose Park, PA, the advantages of hair follicle testing over urine testing are clear. Hair tests offer superior detection capabilities, making them preferred for drug screening needs. Hair testing provides more reliable results, crucial for workplace safety and legal compliance.
While urine tests are restricted to detecting recent drug use, hair tests offer a window of up to 90 days, allowing a more comprehensive view. This longer detection period ensures greater accuracy and reliability in substance use history analysis.
Extended Detection Window
One of the main strengths of hair follicle testing in Melrose Park, PA, is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, aiding in hiring decisions.
The prolonged detection window of hair tests compared to traditional methods allows for greater insight into long-term substance use patterns. This detailed information supports employers in maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Melrose Park, PA, hair follicle tests stand out due to their robustness against tampering. The collection process and analysis significantly minimize the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results are both reliable and trustworthy.
Hair tests offer a level of security that is unmatched by other testing methods. This resistance to falsification is critical in environments where the integrity of results is of utmost importance, providing peace of mind to employers.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
In Melrose Park, PA, accessing drug testing services is convenient thanks to our extensive network of nationwide centers. These locations ensure that individuals can easily undergo testing without the stress of traveling long distances.
Local availability of testing centers contributes to a straightforward and trouble-free experience, underscoring our commitment to accessible and efficient services. This widespread reach ensures that everyone's testing needs are covered efficiently and effectively.
Simple, Confidential Process
The hair follicle testing process in Melrose Park, PA, is designed with simplicity and confidentiality in mind. From ordering to test completion and receiving results, the procedure ensures privacy and ease of use for all participants.
Addressing concerns surrounding confidentiality, our process guarantees discreet handling of all personal information, reassuring individuals about the security of their data while delivering prompt and accurate results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Melrose Park, PA, our hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and swift results, delivering exceptional value to companies of all sizes. This combination of cost-effectiveness and rapid response time ensures peace of mind for businesses.
Our pricing structure is tailored to be accessible, making reliable drug testing services available to a broad range of organizations. The quick turnaround further enhances this offering, ensuring that clients receive prompt results without compromising quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Melrose Park, PA, hair follicle testing is known for offering timely and highly accurate results. This method swiftly detects a range of substances, ensuring reliability in results. Hair tests are integral for ensuring precision in substance detection, making them a preferred choice for those seeking dependable outcomes.
The rapid turnaround time for hair follicle testing ensures that results are not only accurate but also delivered promptly. This efficiency is crucial for maintaining drug-free environments in workplaces, reinforcing the trust placed in testing procedures.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Melrose Park, PA, can enhance compliance with drug-free workplace policies by adopting hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal risks and supports safety initiatives, providing assurance to management and staff.
Using hair testing protocols helps employers ensure they meet regulatory requirements while promoting a culture of safety. It not only safeguards against potential legal challenges but also strengthens internal policies aimed at maintaining a healthy work environment.
