Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers in the strands as they grow, hair delivers a long-term record of alcohol and drug use. When cut near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. It’s straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and is conveniently transportable.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp area, will provide 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional assessments, or panels exceeding 10, a collection of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is highly recommended. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be obtained. When we mention head hair, we're discussing only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial or axillary hair, etc.
Process Overview
The primary phases encompassed in a laboratory's drug test processing are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory's system. This step ensures the appropriate sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any leftover data entry that an electronic custody chain hasn't covered.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for drugs. Although Screening serves as an economical approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, any positive screening requires confirmation for courtroom admissibility. Any samples that show presumptive positives during the Screening procedure necessitate further confirmation through additional testing.
If a specimen suggests positivity during Screening, more hair is procured from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair in significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening stands as the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirming positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and the standards of ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination actually evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle located beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oakwood, PA
Hair testing offers superior advantages over traditional urine tests. It provides an extensive detection window, capturing drug use over months rather than days. The accuracy of hair tests in identifying substance use translates to a reliable assessment of an individual's long-term drug history. This advantage ensures that employers and legal authorities receive unambiguous, trustworthy data for making critical decisions.
Extended Detection Window in Oakwood, PA
With a detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing gives employers a comprehensive overview of a person's drug use history. This method captures a longer timeframe of substance intake, making it invaluable for assessing habitual drug use. Employers gain an in-depth understanding of an applicant or employee’s substance history, promoting informed decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oakwood, PA
One significant benefit of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. The method is designed to significantly reduce the possibilities of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable results. Unlike other testing methods, altering hair samples is incredibly challenging, providing unquestionable data that supports workplace safety and compliance.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oakwood, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers provides convenience and accessibility. With nationwide locations, including in Oakwood, PA, our services ensure fast and hassle-free access to testing. Whether near or far, our centers are equipped to meet testing needs promptly, offering seamless service for individuals and organizations alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Oakwood, PA
The process for conducting a hair follicle drug test is straightforward and respects confidentiality at every step. From ordering to testing and receiving results, each stage guarantees simplicity and privacy, addressing any concerns individuals might have about their sensitive information being handled securely.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oakwood, PA
Our competitive pricing structures complement our commitment to quick turnaround times, providing exceptional value to businesses of all sizes. Employers can benefit from cost-effective solutions that do not compromise on quality or efficiency, enabling them to maintain workplace standards without breaking the bank.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oakwood, PA
Hair follicle drug tests excel in delivering quick and precise results that are crucial for employers seeking to maintain a safe and compliant workplace. Their high accuracy rate in detecting past drug use ensures that employers can trust the outcomes. The efficiency in processing these tests is unparalleled, allowing businesses to make timely and informed hiring decisions with confidence.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oakwood, PA
Utilizing hair follicle testing, employers can maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks while enhancing overall safety. This testing method offers peace of mind by assuring that employees meet company standards, creating a drug-free work environment that is more productive and less prone to incidents related to substance abuse.
