Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair captures a long-term record of substances and their biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken from close to the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol consumption over a window of up to three months. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields a 100mg specimen, which is ideal for testing. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of analyzing a drug test in the lab consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step, where the sample is logged into the lab's system. Tasks include ensuring the sample is sealed and delivered correctly, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data that the electronic chain of custody system doesn’t capture.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation to identify potential drug presence. Although it's cost-effective for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court acceptability. All samples testing positive in Screening need further scrutiny.
Samples testing positive in Screening go through Extraction, which involves taking more hair from the original sample. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive Screen results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before Confirmation, positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accrediting standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term “hair follicle tests†may be used, but the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels Over Urine Testing in Rouseville, PA
Hair follicle testing provides an edge due to its extended detection capabilities. Unlike conventional urine tests, hair tests verify drug use over a longer period, ensuring more comprehensive results. This innovative method is less susceptible to short-term lifestyle changes, giving a more reliable snapshot of substance use.
The sensitivity and reliability of hair follicle analysis surpass that of urine tests. While urine tests capture recent drug use, hair testing reveals patterns of consumption that can go back months, offering a more extensive analysis. In Rouseville, PA, this greater accuracy aids employers and institutions in making more informed decisions.
Extended Detection Window in Rouseville, PA
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests is unmatched, spanning up to 90 days. For employers in Rouseville, PA, this means a historical overview of an individual's substance use, far beyond what urine testing can achieve. This longer detection period is crucial for maintaining strict substance policies.
Hair testing offers a broader picture by capturing a history of drug usage patterns. This extended detection capacity allows employers to assess past substance use, offering a strategic approach in hiring decisions, and maintaining a drug-free work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rouseville, PA
One of the strongest advantages of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. In Rouseville, PA, this testing method minimizes manipulation risks associated with other types of tests, ensuring integrity and authenticity of results, which is invaluable for employers.
This tamper-resistant nature is due to the fact that hair samples are less likely to be adulterated compared to urine samples. This reliability elevates hair testing as a trustworthy option, reinforcing an employer’s credibility in maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Rouseville, PA
Access to drug testing services is made simple with Accredited Drug Testing's extensive network. Our Rouseville, PA, facility is part of a nationwide corridor, aiming to deliver swift and convenient hair testing solutions. Quick and easy access allows for an efficient testing process.
Navigating the testing landscape is effortless with local and national sites. Our wide-ranging locations facilitate seamless service provision, meeting needs promptly and without hassle, ensuring clients receive timely and dependable results.
Simple, Confidential Process in Rouseville, PA
The process for conducting hair follicle drug tests in Rouseville, PA, is straightforward and completely confidential. Ensuring the privacy of clients, the procedure for ordering, completing, and obtaining results is streamlined, alleviating potential concerns regarding privacy.
The confidential nature of our service ensures individuals feel secure throughout the process. The ease of use, from scheduling appointments to receiving results, reinforces trust in maintaining discretion and professionalism at all stages.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rouseville, PA
Accredited Drug Testing combines competitive pricing with rapid turnaround, offering excellent value. In Rouseville, PA, companies benefit from our cost-efficient solutions alongside quick results, providing a comprehensive package for varied business needs.
Our economical pricing structures make drug testing accessible for businesses of all sizes, ensuring that no compromise is made on quality or speed of service. This combination of affordability and efficiency enhances operational peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Rouseville, PA
Hair follicle drug tests in Rouseville, PA, offer precision that is hard to rival. Known for their expedited turnaround times, these exams ensure that results are both swift and reliable. The accuracy of hair tests in detecting substance use provides confidence to employers, making it an essential tool in drug policy enforcement.
The high reliability of hair testing is due to its ability to detect drug metabolites embedded in hair shafts. This superior detection method ensures that results produced are consistent and dependable, reinforcing an organization's commitment to workplace safety and compliance.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rouseville, PA
With hair follicle testing, employers in Rouseville, PA, can ensure stringent compliance with their workplace's drug policies. This testing method provides peace of mind, safeguarding against legal risks and enhancing safety and productivity in the workplace.
Employers gain a reliable partner in hair testing for maintaining policy adherence and ensuring a drug-free environment. This compliance alleviates concerns about potential litigation and fosters a secure work setting, beneficial for both employees and management.
