Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing markers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When extracted near the scalp, hair reveals up to a 3-month detection timeline for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or diagnostics beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If hair from the scalp is unattainable, an equivalent mass of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for obtaining drug test results includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial intake step where a sample is processed into a lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a rapid evaluation for the presence of drugs. Screening is economically viable for eliminating drug use in most samples, yet any positive found must be verified to hold in legal settings. Samples screening positive need subsequent confirmation.
In cases where a sample screens positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During this step, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity involved in hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any screening positive results utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Positive test samples undergo a washing step prior to confirmation as necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is performed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Slabtown, PA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests by offering superior accuracy and reliability. While traditional urine tests have their place, hair testing provides a broader detection scope. This method reveals substance use stretching back months, opposed to just days with urine tests, thus granting a more comprehensive assessment of an individual's drug history. The meticulous nature of hair testing ensures negligible chances of evasion or tampering.
The extended detection window in Slabtown, PA, is a standout feature of hair follicle testing. Unlike other methods, hair tests offer an overview of drug use for up to 90 days. This capability is invaluable for employers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of an applicant or employee's substance habits. The prolonged window not only assists in safeguarding the workplace but enables more informed decision-making processes.
Slabtown, PA's hair follicle test method significantly diminishes risks associated with sample tampering. This testing strategy offers dependable and incontrovertible outcomes by minimizing variables that could compromise the integrity of results. Employers and legal bodies can rest assured knowing that the results are both accurate and trustworthy, leading to fair assessments without the concern of adulterated samples.
Our comprehensive network of testing sites nationwide, including in Slabtown, PA, highlights the convenience of accessing drug testing resources. The availability of multiple locations ensures that stakeholders can easily undertake necessary tests without hassle. This advantage promotes swift and seamless completion of the drug testing process, catering to diverse needs and schedules effectively.
The process of hair follicle drug testing in Slabtown, PA, is designed to be both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to collecting and receiving results, the steps ensure ease and privacy. Individuals benefit from a process that maintains their confidentiality while delivering results promptly. The simplicity of the procedure alleviates concerns related to complexity and data privacy.
In Slabtown, PA, hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, delivering excellent value to organizations. Our pricing structures are crafted to provide affordability without compromising on quality. Companies of varying sizes can take advantage of the cost-effectiveness while benefiting from fast delivery of precise results, ensuring peace of mind and efficient decision-making.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Slabtown, PA, offer reliable insights into substance use. These tests are recognized for their high accuracy and can effectively identify the presence of drugs. The rapid processing and dependability of the results make them a top choice for many organizations. By choosing hair follicle testing, stakeholders gain confidence in obtaining trustworthy data on substance use.
Within Slabtown, PA, hair follicle testing aligns perfectly with workplace drug-free policies, ensuring compliance and enhancing peace of mind. This testing method helps in reducing legal liabilities while reinforcing workplace safety standards. Employers benefit from the assurance that they are upholding a safe environment, compliant with the necessary regulations, fostering a secure and drug-free workplace.
