Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol use. By trapping biomarkers in the fibers of the growing strand, hair gives a long-term record of alcohol and drug consumption. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month window of detection for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and easy to transport.
A section measuring 1.5 inches containing approximately 200 strands of hair—akin to the girth of a #2 pencil—yields about 100mg, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and verification. For assessments such as EtG, additional tests, and those above 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory's drug test procedure encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into the lab’s system. This process includes checking if the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a quick initial assessment to identify drugs of abuse. While this method is a cost-efficient way to rule out drug use in most samples, any positive results from Screening need substantiation to be legally valid. Samples with a presumptive positive from Screening require a secondary confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing a complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive result in screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Portland Mills, PA, hair follicle testing offers a significant edge over urine testing. Hair tests boast superior detection capabilities, identifying substance use over a prolonged duration. This extended window far exceeds the brief span captured by urine tests. For employers and professionals, the reliable and detailed results from hair tests provide a comprehensive understanding of a person's drug use.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle analysis proves less susceptible to manipulation. This method's robustness enhances its credibility, making it a preferred choice for employers and authorized entities adhering to drug policies. The detailed insights gained from hair tests support informed decision-making in various scenarios.
Portland Mills, PA utilizes hair follicle testing for its historically extended detection window of substance use. This method captures a drug use history spanning up to 90 days, offering a detailed portrayal of an individual's substance habits. For employers, this extensive insight supports informed hiring decisions and employee evaluations.
Employing hair follicle tests ensures that employers and authorities benefit from the comprehensive data about drug use patterns. The prolonged detection span surpasses that of conventional tests, granting a clear picture and understanding of long-term use, which is vital for workplace safety and integrity.
In Portland Mills, PA, hair follicle testing provides a secure approach to drug testing, significantly reducing sample tampering risks. This method's robust design ensures dependable and unquestionable results. Due to hair samples' unique properties, attempts at adulteration are far less likely compared to other testing methods.
By using hair follicle tests, individuals and organizations benefit from a high level of reliability. This methodology safeguards against tampering attempts, providing credible results that uphold the trust placed in drug testing processes. Tamper-proof testing is crucial for maintaining transparency and confidence.
Portland Mills, PA benefits from convenient access to nationwide hair follicle testing locations. These testing centers offer hassle-free services, ensuring swift and easy access to testing processes. This nationwide presence guarantees the accessibility of services to meet community needs promptly and efficiently.
The extensive network of testing facilities simplifies the logistics of obtaining a drug test. Regardless of location, individuals in Portland Mills can quickly find a nearby center, ensuring the testing process is smooth and convenient, without unnecessary delay or travel burdens.
In Portland Mills, PA, the hair follicle testing process stands out for its simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results are straightforward steps, ensuring user privacy is respected throughout. This clarity and discretion grant ease to anyone undergoing this testing method.
This approach addresses privacy concerns effectively. By simplifying procedures and maintaining confidentiality, individuals feel secure in the testing process. The straightforward nature of these steps is designed to minimize stress and ensure confidence in all areas of substance testing.
Portland Mills, PA offers hair follicle testing with competitive pricing structures, ensuring cost-effective access to essential drug testing services. The quick turnaround time enhances the value, providing excellent service to organizations of all sizes, fostering peace of mind in business processes.
Affordable and efficient, the hair follicle tests meet various budgetary needs while ensuring timely results. This aspect boosts its appeal to employers seeking reliable, faster testing methods without compromising quality. Accelerated analysis solidifies hair testing's position as an invaluable tool in workforce management.
Hair follicle drug testing in Portland Mills, PA boasts exceptional precision and speed. These tests quickly provide accurate insights into substance use, ensuring reliable results. This method outpaces traditional testing options, delivering high levels of accuracy and ease of use. Employers and individuals alike can rely on these tests for swift and dependable assessments.
The accuracy of hair follicle testing ensures confidence in results. By utilizing cutting-edge technology, these tests detect even minimal traces of substances, providing a clear picture of one's drug history. The streamlined process means no lengthy waits, making it an ideal choice for prompt and trustworthy information.
In Portland Mills, PA, utilizing hair follicle testing supports employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method significantly reduces legal risks, ensuring adherence to workplace regulations, and enhancing safety outcomes. Hair tests provide reliable data for strategic decision-making.
Hair follicle tests provide peace of mind by confirming compliance with established policies. Employers trust these outcomes to secure a safe work environment. By detecting drug use over an extended period, organizations can effectively manage employee conduct and uphold industry standards.
