Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Through its ability to detect both drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method. The strands of hair, while they grow, encapsulate indicators of substance use, providing a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug activity. Obtaining hair from the scalp ensures the assessment of alcohol and other substances over a span nearing three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient for mailing.
Securing a sample of 1.5 inches from roughly 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect quantity for screening and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest utilizing a jeweler's scale for accuracy in specimen weight. If scalp hair is unavailable, the equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses various other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The major procedures in processing a lab drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial task of incorporating the sample into the laboratory system. This step confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any outstanding data entries absent in an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening acts as a preliminary assessment for substance misuse. Although economical in identifying non-use in most samples, any positive Screening findings must be verified for judicial validity. Samples with potential positive results in Screening need additional confirmation.
When a Screening indicates a positive result, additional hair from the sample is prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are obtained from hair at a concentration significantly lower than in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug analysis particularly intricate.
Positive results from Screening advance to Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every sample with an initial positive is cleaned beforehand if necessary. The full laboratory sequence from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle test" is a misnomer as the analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Swiftwater, PA
When it comes to assessing substance use, hair follicle testing takes precedence due to its superior detection capabilities compared to traditional urine tests. Hair tests capture drug use over a more extended period, delivering more comprehensive results. This method ensures a higher accuracy and reliability level, unmatched by the often-variable results of urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Swiftwater, PA
Hair follicle testing offers an expansive detection window, up to 90 days, providing a detailed account of an individual's substance history. For employers, such an extensive timeframe ensures a broader understanding of drug use patterns, crucial for assessing an applicant or employee’s long-term behavior and reliability. This approach surpasses traditional methods in thoroughness.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Swiftwater, PA
The integrity of hair follicle testing lies in its tamper-resistant nature, effectively mitigating the risk of sample adulteration. This ensures the results are both reliable and indisputable, offering unmatched assurance and confidence. Such robustness in testing is paramount for upholding stringent drug use policies and reinforcing trust in the results obtained.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Swiftwater, PA
Accredited Drug Testing offers a network of nationwide testing centers, including Swiftwater, PA, ensuring convenient access to testing services. These centers provide quick, easy, and seamless testing experiences, facilitating hassle-free compliance with drug testing requirements without any unnecessary travel or delays.
Simple, Confidential Process in Swiftwater, PA
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is designed to be simple and confidential. Ensuring privacy and ease of use is paramount, addressing concerns of individuals while maintaining high standards. This straightforward approach ensures peace of mind and ease throughout the testing journey, from start to end.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Swiftwater, PA
We pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing. This combination of affordability and efficiency provides significant value, benefiting businesses regardless of size. Employers can rest assured of receiving prompt, reliable results without compromising on cost-effectiveness or quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Swiftwater, PA
Hair follicle drug tests provide unparalleled precision and speed, making them the gold standard for substance detection. The process is quick, yet thorough, ensuring that results are not only fast but also highly accurate. This testing method significantly enhances the reliability of substance use detection, crucial for timely and informed decision-making in various settings.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Swiftwater, PA
Employers can ensure compliance with workplace drug-free policies by opting for hair follicle testing. This method not only reduces legal risks but also enhances overall workplace safety, offering peace of mind. The consistent and thorough nature of the results helps in maintaining a safe, productive work environment, crucial for long-term success.