Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended historical perspective of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol presence for up to an estimated 3-month period. Hair samples are easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around two hundred hair strands (comparable in width to a #2 pencil) taken close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis and confirmation. For EtG add-ons and/or testing beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is beneficial to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair is an alternative. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair includes facial and other body hairs (axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test lab process is divided into four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into a lab’s system. This phase checks for proper sealing and shipping, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry not defined in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary quick test for drugs of abuse. Although cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in most cases, a positive screen result must be confirmed to be court-admissible. All samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require secondary confirmation.
For samples testing presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are separated from hair at a reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening one of the most complex methodologies.
Any screening result requiring Confirmation involves GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation falls under the oversight of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair credential and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often named "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Quakertown PA Compared to urine testing, hair follicle tests in Quakertown offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing's extensive detection timeframe surpasses traditional methods, making it ideal for organizations cracking down on substance use. It's particularly effective in identifying drug use over longer periods, minimizing false negatives common in urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Quakertown PA Hair follicle testing in Quakertown provides a long detection window, typically up to 90 days. This extended period gives employers a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance history, proving invaluable during employee evaluations or applicant screenings. This long-lasting detection capability provides a reliable assessment of consistent substance use.
Tamper Resistant Testing Method in Quakertown PA One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing in Quakertown is its resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods, it’s extremely difficult to alter or adulterate hair samples, assuring reliable and conclusive results. This ensures the authenticity and integrity of the drug testing process, making it a trusted choice for accurate screenings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Quakertown PA Our extensive network of testing centers, including those in Quakertown, ensures easy and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing. This convenience facilitates prompt service delivery and testing, accommodating the needs of individuals and organizations nationwide with seamless procedures and minimal disruptions.
Simple Confidential Process in Quakertown PA The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results in Quakertown is straightforward and entirely confidential. Clients can expect privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns about security or difficulty. The streamlined procedure ensures participants are informed and comfortable at each step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Quakertown PA Committed to offering competitive pricing structures, hair follicle testing in Quakertown delivers excellent value to businesses of all sizes. The quick turnaround times stand out, allowing companies to receive timely results without incurring high expenses, keeping their operations efficient and cost-effective.
Fast Accurate and Reliable Results in Quakertown PA Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and swiftness in detecting substances. In Quakertown, PA, these tests provide high accuracy, offering quick turnaround times without compromising reliability. The results paint a clear picture of an individual's substance use, aiding decision-making processes at workplaces and other institutions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Quakertown PA Implementing hair follicle testing allows Quakertown employers to adhere to strict drug-free workplace policies. Such compliance diminishes legal risks and boosts safety throughout the company. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing they contribute to a healthier, more secure work environment by utilizing reliable hair testing methods.
