Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a timeline of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the enlarging hair strand. When hair is cut close to the scalp, it offers up to a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch section comprising around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is integrated into a laboratory’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a primary rapid check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical way to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be permissible in court. Any sample that tests presumptively positive in Screening requires a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample is indicated as presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods to execute.
Any positive result from screening is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that test presumptive positive are washed before undergoing confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized following the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In Orwigsburg, PA, the advantages of hair follicle testing over urine testing are clear. Hair testing provides enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, capturing a wider substance history. It significantly outperforms urine tests in long-term substance detection, reducing the chances of false-negative results. This makes it an ideal choice for employers seeking comprehensive evaluations of substance use histories.
Hair follicle testing in Orwigsburg, PA, offers an extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days past. This provides employers with a holistic overview of an individual's substance habits. Such a broad detection range is especially beneficial for understanding long-term usage patterns, making this method superior to traditional testing techniques.
In Orwigsburg, PA, the hair follicle testing method is remarkably tamper-resistant. This process drastically reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring results remain reliable and trustworthy. As these tests are observed, they leave minimal room for manipulation, giving employers peace of mind regarding the authenticity of the samples collected.
Convenience is paramount with our testing services, including local facilities in Orwigsburg, PA, and throughout the nation. Our vast network of centers ensures that accessing drug testing services is both quick and hassle-free. This nationwide presence facilitates easy scheduling and sample collection, making testing a seamless part of your routine.
Ordering, taking, and receiving results for drug testing in Orwigsburg, PA, is a simple and confidential process. We prioritize privacy, ensuring all aspects of the testing procedure are handled discreetly. From initial booking to receiving final results, our straightforward approach is designed with user convenience in mind, addressing any potential privacy concerns.
In Orwigsburg, PA, our hair follicle testing solutions boast competitive pricing paired with fast turnaround times. This balance provides companies of all sizes with exceptional value and efficiency. By ensuring affordability without sacrificing quality, we aim to deliver a cost-effective testing option that meets the demanding needs of your business operations.
Hair follicle drug tests in Orwigsburg, PA, are renowned for their precision and swiftness. They reliably identify substance use with remarkable accuracy, ensuring a top-tier detection process. Relying on advanced technology, these tests offer quick results without compromising on detail. Employers can trust that the data they receive is both timely and precise, crucial for maintaining a drug-free environment.
Employers in Orwigsburg, PA, find compliance with drug-free workplace policies easier with hair follicle testing. This method minimizes legal liabilities and enhances workplace safety. By adopting this reliable testing strategy, businesses can ensure they adhere to regulations while maintaining a secure and productive environment for all employees.
