Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair exams have emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to collect, tough to tamper with, and straightforward to ship.
A 1.5-inch section with around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise measuring the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a drug test result in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial sample processing into a lab's system. This involves confirming the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse drugs. Though Screening is a cost-efficient means of ruling out drug consumption for many samples, positive results must be confirmed for court admissibility. Presumptive positive screenings necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample appears positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug testing as the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual test evaluates the hair strand, not the scalp's hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oberlin, PA
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests in Oberlin, PA, several advantages become apparent. Hair tests boast enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, outperforming urine tests, especially for long-term drug use detection. The hair method provides extensive insights into an individual's substance usage history, beyond what's possible with urine samples.
Detection accuracy is a key benefit of hair testing, as it reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration and delivers reliable results consistently over longer durations. For employers and authorities requiring stringent drug-use evaluations, this method holds significant advantages over urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Oberlin, PA
Hair follicle testing provides a valuable extended detection window, capturing drug usage over a span of up to 90 days. This duration allows employers in Oberlin, PA, to gain a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history, offering invaluable insights into both applicants and existing employees.
Such extensive detection ensures that former substance use doesn’t go unnoticed, offering a thorough understanding of an employee's lifestyle choices. This advantage becomes crucial for workplaces enforcing strict drug policies and aiming to maintain safety and productivity at optimal levels.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oberlin, PA
Hair follicle tests are known for their resilience against tampering. In Oberlin, PA, this makes them a preferred method among those seeking reliable results free from manipulation. The nature of hair collection and testing minimizes opportunities for sample adulteration, enhancing the credibility of the results.
The virtually tamper-proof characteristic of hair tests ensures highly credible and accurate outcomes, providing employers and authorities with trustworthy data on substance usage. This trait offers significant reassurance to entities valuing test integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oberlin, PA
Our nationwide network of testing facilities, including those in Oberlin, PA, ensures convenient access to hair follicle testing services, streamlining the testing process for individuals and employers alike. This widespread availability offers fast, hassle-free testing whenever and wherever needed.
In Oberlin, residents and businesses benefit from local centers that provide easy access to comprehensive testing services, reducing logistical barriers and promoting timely testing with minimal disruption to schedules.
Simple, Confidential Process in Oberlin, PA
The hair follicle testing procedure in Oberlin, PA, is straightforward and ensures confidentiality from start to finish. From ordering a test to receiving results, individuals can expect a seamless and private experience, addressing concerns about privacy and the ease of the process.
This simple, user-friendly approach ensures peace of mind for users, safeguarding their information while delivering accurate and timely results, thus enhancing trust in the testing system.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oberlin, PA
In Oberlin, PA, hair follicle testing is not only efficient but also cost-effective. We offer competitive pricing structures that cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring excellent value without sacrificing the quality of service.
Our quick turnaround times complement the affordable nature of our services, providing peace of mind and faster decision-making processes for businesses requiring timely results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oberlin, PA
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests stand out in Oberlin, PA. These tests provide quick and accurate results, allowing for effective substance use detection efficiently. Hair tests’ accuracy vastly outperforms traditional methods, presenting invaluable insights for employers and individuals seeking reliable substance-use analysis.
With the capability to deliver results swiftly without compromising precision, hair follicle testing emerges as a formidable tool, ensuring high accuracy and reducing instances of false positives or negatives. This offers peace of mind for concerned parties in Oberlin.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oberlin, PA
Adopting hair follicle drug testing in Oberlin, PA, assures employers of compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and fostering a safe work environment. This practice aligns with rigorous policy implementations, underscoring a commitment to safety and policy adherence.
Employers benefit from a peace of mind thanks to the reliable nature of hair testing, promoting a culture of transparency and safety, and reducing potential liabilities associated with workplace substance abuse.
