Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The recognition of hair testing has grown due to its effectiveness in identifying drug and alcohol use. By encapsulating biomarkers within the strands, hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug consumption. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal usage up to an approximately 3-month timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp contains 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, an amount of 150mg is advisable. It’s suggested to weigh the hair sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equal volume of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair alone. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory evaluation of a drug test encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the stage where a sample is initially recorded into a lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data input that isn't already included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary check for substance abuse. While Screening is an economical method to negate drug consumption in the majority of cases, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples indicating presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself assesses the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Shenandoah Heights, PA, hair follicle tests surpass urine tests in effectiveness. Hair testing allows for extended detection of drug use patterns, offering a broader understanding of an individual's history. Unlike urine samples, which only show recent usage, hair tests provide insights spanning up to 90 days, making them a more comprehensive and reliable choice for employers and institutions.
Hair follicle testing in Shenandoah Heights, PA, offers an extended detection window, uncovering drug use for up to 90 days. This comprehensive longitudinal view is vital for employers seeking insights into an employee’s substance use history, offering a more complete picture compared to shorter-duration tests like urine sampling.
In Shenandoah Heights, PA, hair follicle testing dramatically minimizes sample tampering risks. This testing method is almost tamper-proof, ensuring more reliable outcomes. The difficulty of altering hair samples compared to urine samples gives testers more confidence in the accuracy and trustworthiness of the results.
Accredited Drug Testing boasts convenient testing centers across the nation, including in Shenandoah Heights, PA. Accessible nationwide locations ensure that individuals and companies can quickly and easily undergo testing. This accessibility simplifies logistics and provides hassle-free access to necessary services.
Engaging in hair follicle testing in Shenandoah Heights, PA, entails a straightforward, confidential process. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure is designed with privacy and simplicity in mind. Clients can comfortably navigate each step, assured of discreet handling of their tests and results.
Shenandoah Heights, PA, benefits from Accredited Drug Testing's competitive pricing and swift turnaround. Our fast, cost-effective services bolster value while granting companies rapid results. This approach ensures businesses of all sizes have peace of mind without straining budgets, owing to our efficient pricing model.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug testing in Shenandoah Heights, PA, make it stand out. This method not only ensures fast turnaround times but also significantly enhances accuracy. By efficiently detecting substance use, employers and concerned parties can rely on its high reliability and speedy results for informed decision-making.
Ensuring compliance with drug-free policies is paramount for employers in Shenandoah Heights, PA. Hair follicle testing not only fortifies legal compliance but also enhances workplace safety. By choosing this method, employers mitigate legal risks, fostering a safer and more trustworthy environment for all employees.
