Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening is now recognized as an effective means of detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair offers up to an approximately 3-month observation period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to adulteration, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (resembling the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It is recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be gathered, a comparable quantity of body hair may be obtained. When referencing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four core phases in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the primary processing of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process confirms that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, generates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplementary data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening offers an initial rapid review for drugs of abuse. While Screening serves as a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage on most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Any samples that are potentially positive in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
If a sample appears positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any affirmative screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with potential positive results undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entirety of the laboratory procedures from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair credential and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Susquehanna Depot, PA, hair follicle testing proves superior to traditional urine tests due to its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests analyze a longer period, offering a comprehensive substance history. This method greatly reduces the risk of false negatives, providing a more thorough evaluation of drug use.
Extended Detection Window
The ability to detect drug use over a period of up to 90 days is a significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Susquehanna Depot, PA. This extended detection window provides employers with an in-depth understanding of an individual's substance use history, which is vital in making informed employment decisions and ensuring workplace safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle testing in Susquehanna Depot, PA, significantly mitigates the risk of sample tampering. The difficulty in adulterating hair samples leads to more reliable and unquestionable results. This ensures that both employers and individuals receive trustworthy data, pivotal for adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Our extensive network of testing centers across Susquehanna Depot, PA, and the nation offers convenience and accessibility. Ensuring quick and hassle-free testing, these centers provide seamless service to employers and individuals alike, making drug testing a straightforward and efficient process.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Susquehanna Depot, PA, the process for hair follicle drug testing is both simple and confidential. From order to results, the steps are designed to protect privacy while being user-friendly. This approach helps alleviate concerns about privacy and encourages compliance with little stress or hassle.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Our commitment to competitive pricing and prompt turnaround times makes hair follicle testing a valuable option in Susquehanna Depot, PA. Companies of all sizes benefit from the excellent value provided, ensuring they receive necessary insights quickly, allowing for timely decision-making.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Susquehanna Depot, PA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and speed. These tests are highly accurate in identifying substance use, providing results that employers and individuals can trust. The testing process ensures timely results so decisions can be made quickly and confidently, crucial in maintaining a safe and productive work environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
For employers in Susquehanna Depot, PA, utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method decreases legal risks, contributing to a safer work environment. Maintaining adherence to policies is crucial for business operations, fostering peace of mind.
