Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair fibers provide a long-term record of alcohol and drug biomarkers by trapping them within the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection range for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to collect hair, challenging to tamper with, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is suggested. We advise weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is prohibited, an equivalent amount of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory steps for processing a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial intake of a sample into the lab’s system. This task includes verifying that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary and swift examination for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-effective strategy to dismiss drug usage across most samples, a positive screen must be corroborated to be valid in legal settings. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample is detected as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and readied for Extraction. This stage involves removing drugs from hair at a considerably reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is among the most complex methodologies to execute.
A positive screening must be confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleaned ahead of confirmation where necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing outshine urine testing in Smicksburg, PA? Hair tests boast an improved detection accuracy over urine tests, providing results that cover a broader timeframe. Detecting usage that might not be recent but still significant offers advantages in many contexts, such as employment and legal requirements.
A superior choice for accuracy, hair testing's non-invasive nature and consistent reliability ensure comprehensive substance use verification. It alleviates concerns regarding short detection windows and testing reliability, making it preferred over traditional methods.
One significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Smicksburg, PA is its extended detection window. Unlike other tests, it effectively tracks drug use over a period of up to 90 days, offering a prolonged insight into a person's substance use patterns. This is distinctly beneficial for employers seeking long-term usage trends.
Providing a broader detection period enables a thorough understanding of an employee's past use, influencing hiring and retention decisions. With hair testing, reliance on more dated testing methods becomes a thing of the past in favor of a more comprehensive evaluation.
The tamper-resistant process of hair follicle testing in Smicksburg, PA significantly reduces adulteration chances. Unlike other methods vulnerable to manipulation, hair tests use samples that are nearly impossible to modify once collected, yielding trustworthy results.
Reliability is paramount in drug testing, and the integrity of hair follicle testing assures employers of authentic outcomes. Eliminating deceitful testing practices assures that results accurately reflect substance use history, securing trust in the testing process.
The convenience of nationwide testing locations, including Smicksburg, PA, offers easy access to reliable testing services. Our extensive testing network ensures quick and hassle-free service for any community or organization in Smicksburg.
Our local presence in Smicksburg guarantees that quality testing is always within reach. You can trust us to deliver the same high-quality service anywhere in the nation, ensuring comprehensive coverage and accessibility.
The process of hair follicle testing in Smicksburg, PA is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results is straightforward, maintaining the highest standards of privacy and ease. This ensures you can test with confidence and without worry.
Our confidential approach protects your privacy from the moment you engage with us. We prioritize your comfort and ease, ensuring you can make informed decisions based on your test results without unnecessary complications or invasion of privacy.
In Smicksburg, PA, our affordable pricing and fast turnaround distinguish us in the industry. We provide competitive pricing structures suitable for businesses of all sizes, ensuring access to valuable testing without breaking the budget.
We take pride in delivering excellent value through rapid result times, reinforcing our commitment to serving communities efficiently and cost-effectively. Choosing our affordable solutions doesn't compromise on quality or speed, securing peace of mind at every step.
In Smicksburg, PA, the speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests stand out. Precision in detecting various substances ensures only accurate results are delivered. Compared to older testing methods, hair testing consistently provides high accuracy levels, proving both fast and reliable for a variety of substances.
The rapid turnaround from collection to result makes these tests excellent for any individual or organization prioritizing promptness without sacrificing reliability. Accuracy in measurements guarantees authenticity, ensuring trust in each result obtained.
For employers in Smicksburg, PA, the choice to use hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It minimizes legal risks and promotes workplace safety, providing peace of mind and enhancing employee well-being overall.
Implementing this method demonstrates a dedicated commitment to a safe working environment. The reassurance provided by comprehensive and enforceable testing protocols supports compliance and promotes a culture of integrity and trust.
