Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When gathered close to the scalp, hair has the potential to provide a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to alter, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is considered the ideal sample for screening and confirmation purposes. When dealing with EtG, additional panels, or tests above 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest the specimen be weighed on a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair isn’t available, a similar amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair variations (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The process for obtaining a drug test result through a laboratory involves four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This stage verifies that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any additional data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for commonly abused drugs. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in court. Any sample showing a presumptive positive in Screening necessitates a secondary confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is drawn from the original specimen and set aside for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at concentrations lower than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating a presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning through to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the strand and not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Smithfield, PA is evident in its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests provide a detailed picture of substance use over a longer span, something urine tests can't match. They grant clarity with their precise results, effectively identifying past usage where traditional methods might fail. This enhanced accuracy and reliability make them indispensable tools in maintaining drug-free environments.
Extended Detection Window in Smithfield, PA makes hair follicle testing a preferred choice for many employers. These tests accurately trace drug consumption over approximately 90 days, offering a comprehensive account of a subject's drug history. This long-term detection aids businesses in better understanding substance behavior, providing a clearer scope of an employee or candidate’s history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Smithfield, PA proves essential in preventing test manipulation. Hair follicle testing is known for its robustness against tampering, delivering results that stakeholders can trust. By significantly lowering the chances of sample alteration, these tests uphold a high standard of reliability and confidence in the outcomes, safeguarding the integrity of the drug testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Smithfield, PA underscore effortless access to our services. Our extensive network of testing centers guarantees hassle-free, prompt, and comprehensive drug testing. Local accessibility simplifies the process, ensuring businesses can quickly engage with our testing services without the inconveniences of long wait times or complex logistics.
Simple, Confidential Process in Smithfield, PA outlines a straightforward approach to drug testing that respects privacy. From scheduling an appointment to receiving results, each step is streamlined and discreet. This process ensures that clients' needs are met efficiently, maintaining confidentiality at every phase, thus reassuring individuals and organizations of their data security and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Smithfield, PA support businesses by offering top-tier services at competitive rates. Our pricing models and swift processing times deliver unmatched value, making it feasible for organizations of all types to implement extensive drug testing. This combination facilitates economic savings alongside operational efficiency, ensuring impactful and cost-effective solutions.
Fast, Accurate, Reliable Results in Smithfield, PA can make a significant difference for any organization needing drug testing. Hair follicle tests offer unmatched precision in detecting substance use, ensuring dependable outcomes. With a straightforward process, these tests quickly deliver results, enhancing decision-making efficiency by providing clear-cut information. Organizations trust us for rapid and reliable testing services.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Smithfield, PA come with adopting hair follicle testing. It assures adherence to drug-free workplace regulations, thus minimizing legal risks and promoting a safer work environment. Employers enjoy enhanced peace of mind knowing their company upholds high safety standards while lowering potential liabilities linked with substance misuse.
