Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as a formidable method for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. It offers an extended historical view of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, these strands can present a detection timeframe of nearly 3 months for identifying drug and alcohol use. The collation process of hair is straightforward, it's relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches composed of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will generate 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, extra tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent measurement of body hair may be utilized. When discussing head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair, on the other hand, includes all other hair categories (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test outcomes features four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the primary handling of a sample within a laboratory's database. This phase includes confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any additional data requirements absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening denotes a preliminary and swift evaluation for substance abuse. Although Screening serves as an economical method to negate drug use for most samples, a positive screen requires validation to be legally viable. Samples yielding presumptive positive results during Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
For instances where a sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the specimen for Extraction. This phase involves extracting substances from hair at significantly lesser concentrations than seen in other techniques (like urine or oral fluids), accentuating the complexity of hair drug screening methodologies.
Verification of any positive results from Screening is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive outcomes undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory workflow, encompassing Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the testing process evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Excels in Mifflin, PA Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers enhanced accuracy and dependability. It unveils a broader spectrum of drug use over a substantial period, allowing employers to enforce rigorous drug policies more effectively. This superiority in detecting substance use makes hair testing a preferred choice among many entities in Mifflin.
Longer Detection Window in Mifflin, PA Hair follicle testing in Mifflin substantially extends the detection window, capturing substance usage up to 90 days prior. This broad timeframe provides employers a thorough insight into a candidate's or employee's drug history, enabling informed decisions that contribute to a safer workplace environment.
Robust and Tamper-Resistant Testing in Mifflin, PA One of the pivotal advantages of hair follicle testing is its resilience against tampering. Compared to other testing methods, it ensures the integrity of the sample, delivering verified and indisputable results. This reliability minimizes the risk of adulterated samples, thus maintaining confidence in the testing outcome.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing in Mifflin, PA With testing centers located across the nation, including in Mifflin, accessing drug testing services is both convenient and seamless. Our wide-ranging network ensures a simple, stress-free process for employers and individuals alike, improving access to high-quality testing anytime necessary.
Streamlined and Confidential in Mifflin, PA The process of ordering, undergoing, and obtaining results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and secure. We prioritize privacy, ensuring that all steps from initiation to conclusion are handled with utmost confidentiality, addressing any privacy concerns efficiently and comprehensively.
Cost-Effective and Prompt Service in Mifflin, PA Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times provide exceptional value for companies, regardless of size. This affordability combined with swift service delivery ensures organizations can rely on receiving timely, accurate results without compromising on quality or financial constraints.
Fast Detection for Mifflin, PA Hair follicle drug tests in Mifflin offer swift, precise, and reliable outcomes. Their accuracy in identifying substance use is unparalleled, ensuring you gain trustworthy results. This rapid and reliable method facilitates timely decision-making, empowering employers to uphold strict drug-free policies effectively and confidently.
Ensuring Compliance in Mifflin, PA Hair follicle testing supports compliance by aligning with workplace drug-free initiatives, thus mitigating legal concerns. This testing method fosters a safer environment, granting employers peace of mind knowing that they adhere to set regulations effectively. Hair testing strengthens the assurance that policies are met comprehensively.
