Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair drug screening is increasingly regarded as a significant method for identifying substance use. Hair acts as a record keeper for drugs and alcohol over time, capturing markers within the hair strand as it grows. When cut close to the head, hair provides a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for drugs and alcohol. It is easy to gather, less prone to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the head yields 100mg, which is the perfect amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where hair from the scalp is not available, a similar amount of hair from other body areas may be used. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to hair on the scalp. Body hair includes hair from all other areas (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step verifies the sample’s secure sealing and shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any further data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Screening is an efficient approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, although a positive result requires confirmation for legal proceedings. Any results that are potentially positive during Screening must undergo further verification.
In cases where Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is obtained from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are removed from hair at concentrations lower than those in other testing methods (such as urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Positive results from the screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All potentially positive samples are cleaned before Confirmation if required. The full laboratory workflow from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Tobyhanna, PA
In Tobyhanna, PA, hair follicle tests outperform urine tests by offering longer detection periods and enhanced reliability. These tests provide a broader view of an individual's substance use history, with the capability to identify drug residues that urine tests might miss. This extended detection window and hard-to-tamper nature of hair testing make it a popular choice among businesses.
Extended Detection Window in Tobyhanna, PA
Designed to offer an extensive overview of drug use, hair follicle testing in Tobyhanna, PA can reveal up to 90 days of substance history. This makes it invaluable for employers seeking a comprehensive understanding of an applicant or employee's past and ensuring a safer work environment. The substantial detection period provides insights unavailable in other testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Tobyhanna, PA
In Tobyhanna, hair follicle tests greatly mitigate tampering risks. Being less susceptible to adulteration than urine samples, they assure dependable results, pivotal for employers aiming for accurate drug screening. This unwavering reliability underlines the preference for hair tests in secure environments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Tobyhanna, PA
Enjoy effortless access to drug testing with our testing centers throughout Tobyhanna and across the country. This ease of access ensures that individuals and employers can benefit from quick and hassle-free services, regardless of their location, making drug testing more manageable than ever before.
Simple, Confidential Process in Tobyhanna, PA
The process for hair follicle testing in Tobyhanna is straightforward and discreet. Ordering and receiving results occurs with privacy top of mind, addressing confidentiality concerns while ensuring ease. This seamless operation reinforces the appeal of hair testing over other methods.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Tobyhanna, PA
Competitive pricing combined with quick result delivery makes hair follicle testing in Tobyhanna appealing to companies of all sizes. This cost-effective option not only provides peace of mind but also ensures businesses receive excellent value without compromise on quality or speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Tobyhanna, PA
Hair follicle drug tests in Tobyhanna stand out for their precision and swiftness. Recognized for delivering prompt and accurate results, these tests are adept at detecting substance use effectively. The thorough methodology employed ensures that employers can trust the findings, making hair testing a preferred option in the community.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Tobyhanna, PA
Hair follicle testing ensures drug-free workplace policies in Tobyhanna, PA, minimizing legal challenges and boosting safety. Employers benefit from the assurance that their workforce complies with substance regulations, fostering a more secure, productive work atmosphere.
