Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair holds a historical record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about 3 months for substances like alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp typically yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample volume for screening and verifying results. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar volume of body hair can be taken. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug test results processing in the lab involves four significant steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes its initial integration into the laboratory's system. This step verifies that the sample was securely sealed and correctly shipped, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any necessary data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although this is a cost-efficient method for ruling out drug use in most samples, any positive finding necessitates confirmation to be valid for legal proceedings. Any samples that are deemed positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the sample for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair in significantly lower concentrations than other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of performing hair drug tests.
A positive screening outcome is confirmed through techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with positive indications undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized in line with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to frequently as "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains strictly to the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outshines Urine Testing in Steelton, PA lies in its enhanced detection capabilities. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing provides a widened window of detection, catching drug use long after exposure. The reliability and simplistic nature of this method heighten its preference among discerning employers and authorities. Compared to urine analysis, hair testing presents a nearly cheat-proof process, delivering trustworthy outcomes efficiently.
Extended Detection Window in Steelton, PA, is a hallmark of hair follicle testing, capturing drug use across as much as 90 days. This extensive tracking makes it an invaluable tool for businesses eager to establish a genteel workplace free from substances. By furnishing an elaborate history of drug consumption, hair testing allows employers to gauge the consistency of an employee's behavior over time, thus informing their recruitment and retention choices.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Steelton, PA markedly reduces risks of sample meddling. Hair follicle tests shield the integrity of samples, yielding results that withstand scrutiny. The robust nature of hair samples, coupled with their rigorous collection, precludes substitution or adulteration. This assurance is paramount for organizations committed to upholding stringent testing protocols while ensuring the authenticity of every test administered.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Steelton, PA cater to on-demand services, thanks to our broad network of testing centers. This ensures seamless, efficient access to screenings, eliminating travel or logistical burdens. Whether locally in Steelton or in another part of the country, our setup guarantees convenient and streamlined testing experiences every time, assuring clients remain compliant without unnecessary delays.
Simple, Confidential Process in Steelton, PA for hair follicle testing guarantees privacy and simplicity. Ordering and taking the test, along with obtaining results, embody a streamlined approach that respects clients' confidentiality. Our procedures are amassed with minimal burden and sensitivity to personal information, reinforcing confidence among users who prioritize discretion and ease of handling.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround offerings in Steelton, PA highlight our commitment to delivering high value. Competitive pricing schemes paired with rapid processing times ensure that organizations, large or small, benefit from our services. Through tailored packages and expedited result delivery, clients gain peace of mind knowing they're supported by a cost-effective, result-oriented testing solution.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results are guaranteed with our hair follicle testing services in Steelton, PA. These tests showcase remarkable precision and speed, accurately identifying substance use across a considerable timeframe. Utilizing advanced methodologies, hair tests stand out for their thoroughness, minimizing the chances of false results typically associated with other testing methods.
Our strategic approach assures swift access to results, thereby supporting timely decision-making for both individuals and organizations.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Steelton, PA is rooted in the judicious use of hair follicle testing. This method ensures that companies adhere to drug-free workplace mandates, reducing liabilities and promoting safety. With its extended detection period, hair testing enables employers to enforce comprehensive policies effortlessly, lifting the burden of uncertainty tied to employees' substance habits.
