Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a mighty means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as an elongated record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. Harvested near the scalp, hair can offer up to roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drug usage. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) nearest to the scalp will obtain 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for assessment and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be procured. In discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about integrating a sample into a laboratory's framework initially. This entails ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data input omitted by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening conducts an initial, brisk examination for drug abuse. While screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, court-admissible results necessitate confirming a positive screen. Samples presumed positive in Screening require a secondary validation.
Should a sample yield a presumptively positive result in Screening, additional hair will be extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, concentrations of drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower levels than in methods like urine or saliva tests, which is why hair drug evaluation is the most challenging approach to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples with presumptive positive results are washed as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Monument, PA
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests by offering a longer detection window, effectively revealing substance use for up to 90 days. In contrast, urine tests detect only recent usage.
The highly reliable results and challenge-proof nature of hair testing ensure that subjects can’t easily tamper with the procedure, enhancing overall accuracy and reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Monument, PA
Employers interested in understanding an individual’s long-term substance history find great value in hair follicle testing. It provides insights into drug use over a span of up to 90 days.
This extended detection period offers a comprehensive overview of an applicant or employee's history, aiding employers in making more informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Monument, PA
The robust nature of hair follicle testing drastically reduces the possibility of sample adulteration. This ensures that the results obtained are reliable and beyond question.
The stringent sample collection process further eliminates opportunities for manipulation, providing peace of mind about the authenticity of the test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Monument, PA
With a network of testing centers spanning cities nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing makes accessing essential services fast and hassle-free.
Residents of Monument, PA, benefit from conveniently located centers, allowing easy access to services without having to travel long distances.
Simple, Confidential Process in Monument, PA
The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and prioritizes confidentiality. From ordering the test to receiving results, we ensure a simple approach that respects privacy at every step.
Concerns about privacy are addressed, allowing individuals to feel secure and assured throughout the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Monument, PA
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures that don't compromise on quality, ensuring excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
Fast turnaround times accompany these affordable rates, providing peace of mind with quick and dependable results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Monument, PA
When it comes to identifying substance use, hair follicle testing offers unmatched precision. Not only does this method deliver rapid results, but it also guarantees high accuracy, making it an ideal choice for those who seek reliable information about drug use.
The hair follicle test's capability of precisely detecting a range of substances ensures that the results are trustworthy, enabling employers and other entities to make informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Monument, PA
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers comply with strict workplace drug-free policies. This not only minimizes legal exposure but also enhances the overall safety environment at the workplace.
Employers gain confidence, knowing that they are proactively managing drug use concerns and fostering a healthier work atmosphere for all employees.
