Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture long-term evidence of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When hair samples are taken from near the scalp, they can present a detection timeline of up to around three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches in length, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil), taken closest to the scalp, will amount to 100mg of hair. This is considered ideal for initial screening and further confirmation testing. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's suggested to use 150mg for accurate analysis. It's advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to hair on the scalp, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory examination of drug test results primarily involves four processes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system, ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening acts as a fast preliminary test for substances of abuse. Though a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use in most samples, those with a positive result during Screening require verification to ensure their admissibility in legal proceedings. Samples initially testing positive in Screening converge for a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample return a preliminary positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are obtained from the hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), making hair drug testing a more challenging procedure.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Samples deemed presumptively positive undergo washing prior to confirmation, as necessary. Every aspect of the lab procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Choosing hair follicle testing over urine tests in Paulton, PA offers key advantages. This approach outperforms traditional urine tests in detecting substances, providing superior accuracy and reliability.
Hair tests not only extend the detection window but are also less prone to consumption pattern alterations. This method is a preferred choice for organizations enforcing strict drug-free policies.
In Paulton, PA, hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection window of up to 90 days, making it invaluable for employers. This longer period thoroughly reveals an employee’s or applicant's substance use history.
Such an extensive detection scope allows organizations to vet candidates comprehensively, placing greater trust in the hire and ensuring continued workplace safety and compliance with company policies.
Hair follicle tests in Paulton, PA provide a tamper-resistant solution, mitigating risks associated with sample adulteration. This ensures results are both reliable and incontestable.
By utilizing hair testing, the possibility of falsifying results is significantly reduced, leading to greater confidence for employers in the authenticity of the test outcomes.
Accredited Drug Testing boasts nationwide and local access in Paulton, PA. Multiple testing centers ease the process of obtaining necessary tests swiftly and without hassle.
A network of convenient locations ensures that whether local or traveling, individuals can easily schedule and complete their required screenings efficiently.
Our process in Paulton, PA is simple and confidential. Clients are assured a seamless experience from ordering to results, addressing any privacy concerns.
With a focus on confidentiality, Accredited Drug Testing ensures results are secure and the overall procedure remains straightforward, enhancing user trust.
In Paulton, PA, our testing services combine affordability and fast turnaround. We offer competitive prices while ensuring timely results, providing excellent value for businesses.
Small and large companies alike can benefit from our cost-effective services and efficient processing times, supporting timely and budget-friendly decision-making.
Hair follicle drug tests in Paulton, PA ensure rapid and precise results. This testing method provides high accuracy in identifying substance use, greatly benefiting both employers and agencies seeking reliable data.
The speed and precision of hair testing surpass traditional methods, enabling efficient decision-making for businesses needing immediate assessments of substance history.
Employers in Paulton, PA gain peace of mind through compliance with workplace drug policies using hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace security.
Implementing hair testing supports zero-tolerance environments and displays proactive measures in maintaining a drug-free workplace, promoting overall organizational well-being.
