Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as a potent method for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected from near the scalp, hair offers approximately a 3-month detection window for these substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) cut closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG add-ons or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is suggested. It's advisable 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" refers specifically to scalp hair. In contrast, "body hair" encompasses all other varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential stages in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step, which involves integrating a sample into the lab's system. This stage includes checking if the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry that the electronic chain of custody system may not have provided.
Screening is an initial simple test for drug abuse. It's a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, but a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples that initially test positive in Screening need further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. Drugs are then extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most complex methodology to perform.
Positive results from Screening are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as needed. The whole lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation follows standards from both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is actually of the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Mountain Top, PA, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine tests by providing superior detection accuracy and reliability. This method offers a comprehensive view of an individual's drug use, capturing a wider range of substances over a longer period. Hair tests are less susceptible to manipulation compared to urine tests, ensuring a true reflection of substance use history and supporting better-informed decisions.
The hair follicle testing method used in Mountain Top, PA boasts an extended detection window, capturing drug use up to 90 days prior. This comprehensive approach offers employers an in-depth understanding of an individual’s substance history over several months, providing valuable insights for making informed hiring or supervisory decisions.
In Mountain Top, PA, hair follicle tests stand out as a tamper-resistant drug testing method. This test significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, thereby ensuring the integrity of results. With a process that is difficult to cheat, clients can trust the accuracy and authenticity of the test outcomes, providing peace of mind and confidence in its reliability.
Our nationwide network of testing centers, including convenient locations in Mountain Top, PA, provides easy access to drug testing services. This accessibility ensures that individuals and businesses can conduct necessary tests without hassle, benefiting from quick and effective service delivery throughout the region and beyond.
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle drug tests in Mountain Top, PA is designed to be simple and confidential. Our streamlined approach addresses privacy concerns, ensuring that users can confidently utilize our services knowing that their information is secure and their experience is hassle-free.
In Mountain Top, PA, our hair follicle test services offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, providing exceptional value for companies of all sizes. We emphasize cost-effectiveness while maintaining high-quality service, ensuring that clients receive superior drug testing solutions without financial strain.
Hair follicle drug testing in Mountain Top, PA ensures fast and accurate results, reflecting its high precision in identifying substance use. This method stands out due to its ability to deliver reliable outcomes quickly, allowing for efficient decision-making. Hair tests can pinpoint the presence of drugs with outstanding accuracy, making them an ideal choice for those seeking trustworthy testing solutions.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Mountain Top, PA, employers can ensure compliance with workplace drug-free policies, significantly reducing potential legal risks. By adopting this reliable testing method, companies enhance workplace safety, assuring employees and stakeholders of a commitment to maintaining a secure and compliant work environment.
