Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample consisting of 1.5 inches of about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for analysis. For EtG, additional panels, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair only, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system, which includes confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary fast check for drugs of abuse. While it offers a cost-effective means to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive result from Screening must be verified to be court-admissible. Any samples that indicate a presumptive positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently referred to as "hair follicle tests", the examination itself analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why is hair follicle testing superior to urine screening in Mohnton, PA? Hair tests showcase greater detection accuracy and reliability, offering a wider window to spot substance use compared to conventional urine tests. While urine screens excel in very recent use, hair testing provides a broader scopes, capturing an individual's detailed substance history.
Employers in Mohnton, PA benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, which spans up to 90 days. This duration offers a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance habits over a longer period, surpassing that of urine tests. Such detailed information helps employers make informed decisions, facilitate better hiring processes, and maintain safe workplace policies.
Hair follicle testing in Mohnton, PA is inherently designed to be tamper-resistant, significantly decreasing the chances of sample adulteration. With its stringent collection method, hair testing acts as a strong deterrent to manipulation, furnishing results that are dependable and beyond question. This method ensures that employers and legal entities receive unaltered results.
With convenient testing locations nationwide and local accessibility in Mohnton, PA, Accredited Drug Testing makes it easy to access hair follicle tests. Our extensive network guarantees hassle-free testing, saving time and effort for individuals and businesses alike. Having nearby options leads to minimal disruptions and efficient processes.
The process of ordering, undergoing, and obtaining results from a hair follicle test in Mohnton, PA is simple and confidential. Safeguarding privacy and ensuring ease of use, every step is designed with discretion and efficiency in mind, relieving concerns related to data security and process complexity.
In Mohnton, PA, our hair follicle drug testing provides a cost-effective solution with swift turnaround times. Tailored for organizations of all sizes, our competitive pricing guarantees value while maintaining high standards of testing fidelity. Quick results assure employers of both quality and economic prudence.
In Mohnton, PA, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, precise, and dependable results. Speed and accuracy are key when assessing substance use, and hair testing excels in these areas. With precise methodology and cutting-edge technology, hair tests quickly inform decisions and ensure safety for workplaces and communities alike. The rapid turnaround maximizes benefits for those needing swift and reliable substance use verification.
Hair follicle tests provide legal compliance and peace of mind for employers in Mohnton, PA. Workplace safety is heightened through drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks, and ensuring compliance regulations. By utilizing the robust hair testing method, companies safeguard their operations from potential liabilities and can foster secure environments.
