Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When sampled near the scalp, hair delivers a detection period of up to approximately three months for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch lock containing roughly 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp weighs 100mg, which is the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels above the 10-panel standard, 150mg of the hair is advised. It's recommended to measure the hair weight on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, the same amount of body hair can be gathered. When we mention head hair, it strictly refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning embodies the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s framework. This covers confirming the sample was sealed and sent correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial swift check for substance abuse. While Screening is a low-cost technique to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is executed utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being known as "hair follicle tests", the assessment evaluates the hair strand itself rather than the hair follicle underneath the scalp
Why opt for hair follicle testing in Midway, PA? For one, it excels over urine tests, primarily due to superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a longer detection window, extending up to 90 days, thus giving a clearer picture of substance use. Additionally, the likelihood of tampering or erroneous results is significantly reduced.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Midway, PA, is a game-changer. Unlike urine tests, which offer a limited timeframe, hair testing covers drug use for as long as 90 days. This provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history, which is invaluable for employers seeking a thorough evaluation of potential hires or current employees.
One of the outstanding benefits of hair follicle testing is its tamper-resistance. In Midway, PA, this method drastically cuts down the chances of sample adulteration. Unlike urine samples that can be altered, hair samples are collected in a closely observed process, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the results.
Convenience is at the forefront with our nationwide and local testing centers in Midway, PA. Access to testing services is streamlined and hassle-free, ensuring swift appointment scheduling and testing processes. Whether you're downtown or in the surrounding areas, reliable service is within reach.
The process for hair follicle testing in Midway, PA, is both simple and confidential. From ordering a test to receiving the results, every step prioritizes the client's privacy and ease of use. Clients can rest assured that their information is secure and the procedure is straightforward, eliminating any concerns of complexity or breaches in confidentiality.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in Midway, PA, present excellent value for businesses of all sizes. We understand budget constraints and strive to provide competitive rates without compromising on service quality or speed, ensuring that businesses can maintain efficiency and peace of mind.
In Midway, PA, hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and swiftness. These tests boast a high accuracy rate in identifying substance use, providing reliable results swiftly.
For employers in Midway, PA, utilizing hair follicle testing means compliance and assured peace of mind. It aligns with drug-free workplace policies, mitigates legal risks, and promotes a safer work environment.