Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are now acknowledged as an effective method for identifying the use of alcohol and substances. The hair locks in biomarkers within the strands as it grows, giving a comprehensive historical view of substance use. When taken from near the scalp, the hair can reveal usage up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch piece consisting of about 200 hairs (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) from the section nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for examination and validation. For tests like EtG, extra items, and/or panels beyond 10, 150mg of hair sample is suggested. It is advised to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable volume of body hair is acceptable. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other categories of hair (like facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory examination of a drug test result consists of four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails initially processing a sample into the laboratory system. This step includes checking that the sample is correctly sealed and sent, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing any data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails a preliminary swift verification for substances of abuse. While it is cost-efficient for discounting drug use in most cases, any positive screen must be verified for it to stand in court. Any samples with presumptive positives from Screening need further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted at lower levels than other methods (like urine or oral fluids), explaining why hair drug analysis is considered the most challenging method to execute.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation when necessary. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the examination evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing - In Valley Green, PA, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by providing superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis can detect drug use spanning up to 90 days, offering a broader detection window.
This extended timeframe allows for a more comprehensive insight into an individual's substance history, ensuring employers can make informed decisions.
Extended Detection Window - Valley Green, PA benefits from the prolonged detection window of hair follicle testing. With the ability to uncover drug use up to 90 days prior, this method offers a thorough examination of a person's substance habits.
Employers receive a detailed overview, aiding in the assessment of applicants or employees, which is crucial for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method - In Valley Green, PA, hair follicle testing significantly minimizes tampering risks. With the integrity of sample collection being closely monitored, the results produced are trustworthy and legitimate.
Employers can rely on the security of this method, making it a preferred choice for accurate drug testing, free from the manipulation often associated with other test types.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations - Valley Green, PA residents benefit from a network of accessible testing centers. With nationwide coverage, our centers provide convenient, local, and hassle-free testing services.
This ease of access ensures timely testing and results, simplifying the process for individuals and organizations alike, while maintaining high standards of service and accessibility.
Simple, Confidential Process - The hair follicle testing process in Valley Green, PA is both simple and discreet. From the moment an order is placed to the receipt of results, confidentiality is paramount.
This approach addresses privacy concerns while maintaining ease of use, reassuring individuals and organizations alike that their information is handled with the utmost discretion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround - In Valley Green, PA, hair follicle testing is offered at competitive prices while ensuring rapid result delivery. This combination of affordability and quick processing time delivers exceptional value.
Businesses enjoy peace of mind knowing that financial constraints are minimized, all while receiving fast and reliable test outcomes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results - In Valley Green, PA, the precision of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched. Offering quick and accurate detection of various substances, these tests ensure results you can trust.
The efficiency and reliability of these tests make them a preferred choice, eliminating the uncertainties often linked with other testing methods. This ensures a clear and dependable assessment of substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers - With hair follicle testing in Valley Green, PA, employers can smoothly adhere to drug-free workplace regulations. This minimizes legal vulnerabilities and enhances workplace safety.
Implementing this testing method not only promotes compliance but also instills confidence in maintaining a health-conscious environment where safety is prioritized.
