Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair offers about a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair solely. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This step verifies that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplemental data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to identify drug use on most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be acceptable in court. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening do require secondary confirmation.
If a sample is considered presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than through other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for why hair drug screening is the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is handled through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Tylersburg, PA, hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests by offering prolonged detection periods and greater accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent use, hair tests provide a comprehensive look into substance use behavior over 90 days.
The superiority of hair testing over urine lies in its ability to accurately trace drug use, reducing the chances of false negatives and providing employers a clearer image of an individual's drug history.
Employers in Tylersburg, PA, benefit from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window. Unlike other methods, these tests reveal drug use for up to 90 days, offering a thorough view of an individual's substance use history.
This extensive timeframe facilitates a holistic understanding for both hiring decisions and ongoing employee assessments, ensuring that employers have a reliable tool for monitoring substance use trends over time.
Hair follicle testing in Tylersburg, PA, significantly minimizes tampering risks. This method delivers reliable results that are hard to alter, unlike some other testing techniques vulnerable to adulteration.
The integrity of the test is fortified by the inherent properties of hair as a sample medium, providing employers unquestionable assurance in the accuracy and reliability of the results.
With convenient testing locations nationwide, including in Tylersburg, PA, accessing hair follicle testing services is streamlined. Our centers ensure quick and hassle-free testing experiences for all clients.
Local availability guarantees that individuals and employers receive prompt and seamless service, eliminating travel concerns and delays, which enhances the overall testing process efficiency.
The hair testing process in Tylersburg, PA, is marked by simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results are streamlined to respect privacy, ensuring ease and discretion throughout.
This straightforward approach addresses privacy concerns, making the procedure accessible and comfortable for all clients while safeguarding personal information.
In Tylersburg, PA, our competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, combined with quick turnaround times, offers value to companies of all sizes. This affordability ensures that businesses maintain budget-friendly and efficient drug screening processes.
Such pricing structures make high-quality testing accessible, providing prompt results and supporting company-wide peace of mind regarding employee well-being and safety adherence.
In Tylersburg, PA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its speed and precision. These tests deliver quick and accurate assessments of substance use, ensuring reliable detection that aids both employers and individuals seeking dependable results.
The fast turnaround offers an advantage, making it an ideal choice for those requiring immediate and precise drug-test outcomes. This efficiency saves time and provides clarity in situations where substance use verification is crucial.
Employers in Tylersburg, PA, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, as it ensures adherence to drug-free workplace regulations. This compliance mitigates legal risks while boosting overall workplace safety.
Hair testing supports a proactive approach to maintaining company policies, reducing substance-related incidents, and fostering a secure and health-conscious work environment.
