Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly acknowledged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive overview of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers in the strands of a growing hair. When clipped close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is simple, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hairs (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg, which is considered optimal for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, other additives, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. In cases where scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. Body hair includes all non-scalp varieties (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result consists of four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary analysis for substances of abuse. While this stage is a cost-efficient approach for excluding drug use in most samples, any positive screenings must be verified to be considered valid in legal settings. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
In the event that a sample is flagged as presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to alternative methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to conduct.
Confirmation of a positive screen is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if required. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Sonestown, PA outshines traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy. While urine tests are standard, hair testing excels by detecting a range of substances over a longer period, which is crucial for zero-tolerance policies.
Besides accuracy, hair tests provide a longer detection window, presenting a better overview of an individual's habits compared to the short-term scope of urine tests, making them a robust choice for employers and legal entities.
One of the main advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. In Sonestown, PA, this allows for a more thorough examination of an individual's substance use history, reaching back up to 90 days.
This prolonged detection period helps employers assess long-term behavior rather than recent activities, giving a complete picture of an applicant or employee's past actions, thus supporting better hiring and monitoring decisions.
In Sonestown, PA, hair follicle tests are recognized for their resilience against tampering. Unlike other methods, hair tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring the integrity of the results.
The robustness of hair testing lies in its ability to prevent alterations, providing an unquestionable and trustworthy measure of substance use, which is essential for maintaining strict compliance and standards.
In Sonestown, PA, the accessibility of drug testing is simplified with our widespread locations. Our nationwide and local centers offer convenient, hassle-free services, ensuring ease of testing for all clients.
The availability of our facilities allows individuals and employers to access testing without delays, making the process swift and straightforward, regardless of where they are located.
Ordering and proceeding with hair follicle testing in Sonestown, PA is both simple and confidential. Our process addresses privacy concerns, providing a seamless experience from scheduling to obtaining results.
With confidentiality at our core, clients can trust that their information is handled securely, ensuring that privacy is maintained throughout the testing journey, offering peace of mind for all involved parties.
Our pricing structures in Sonestown, PA are competitive, making hair follicle testing both affordable and fast. We prioritize value, ensuring companies, regardless of size, can access reliable testing without financial strain.
With a focus on quick turnaround times, our efficient processes ensure that clients receive timely results, supporting their operational needs and delivering results with precision and speed.
In Sonestown, PA, hair follicle testing stands out due to its fast and accurate diagnostics. Its ability to precisely identify substance use is unparalleled. Tests conducted on hair strands yield detailed insights into substance intake, providing a reliable assessment that helps in making informed decisions.
Moreover, the speed at which hair follicle drug tests deliver results ensures that stakeholders receive vital information promptly. This makes the process not just efficient but also dependable for critical applications.
Employers in Sonestown, PA, benefit greatly from the use of hair follicle testing for compliance and peace of mind. This testing method supports drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal liabilities and enhancing overall safety.
By employing hair testing, companies can confidently adhere to regulatory requirements, knowing they are using a proven and reliable method to manage substance-related issues in the workplace.
