Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair provides a detection timeframe of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easy to ship.
A sample of 1.5 inches from about 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. It is recommended to measure the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, the same amount of body hair can be used. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome involves four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where the sample is processed into a laboratory’s system. This consists of verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any non-electronic chain of custody data entry.
Screening is an initial, rapid test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in court. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptively positive results in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drug extraction occurs at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Samples showing presumptive positivity are pre-washed before confirmation if required. The whole laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to hair strands, not the follicles beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Vandergrift, PA, provides distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. With superior detection accuracy, hair tests offer a more reliable assessment of long-term substance use patterns, making them a preferred choice for thorough evaluations.
The hair follicle test's extended detection period surpasses urine testing, capturing a comprehensive picture of an individual's drug use over several months. This unmatched reliability offers employers a clear and detailed understanding of potential risks.
Employers in Vandergrift, PA, value hair follicle testing for its ability to trace drug use over an extended timeframe—up to 90 days. This proactive approach delivers a detailed overview of an individual's substance use history, aiding in informed assessment processes.
The long detection window afforded by hair follicle testing provides an in-depth insight into employee behavior, empowering businesses to enforce policies effectively while maintaining a safe, productive work environment.
In Vandergrift, PA, hair follicle testing minimizes the threat of sample tampering, ensuring trustworthy and definitive results. The stability of results from hair samples means a more secure method for detecting drug use.
This tamper-resistant nature of hair tests helps reinforce the integrity of the testing process, reducing doubts about the accuracy of results and supporting organizations in making conclusive determinations based on credible data.
Vandergrift, PA residents enjoy the convenience of our nationally available hair follicle testing centers. Regardless of location, comprehensive testing services are easily accessible, simplifying the testing process.
With numerous local testing facilities, our services ensure that obtaining reliable drug testing is both quick and hassle-free, supporting customers in need of efficient and accessible testing options.
Our drug testing process in Vandergrift, PA, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to final results, every step respects your privacy while ensuring ease of use and compliance.
The seamless process emphasizes user convenience and security, addressing any privacy concerns while delivering timely and confidential results crucial for informed decision-making.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and fast result turnaround times in Vandergrift, PA. Our pricing strategy ensures excellent value for clients of any size seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
By delivering cost-effective services without sacrificing accuracy or speed, we help companies maintain peace of mind while staying within budget constraints, proving advantageous for businesses prioritizing timely and thorough evaluations.
In Vandergrift, PA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their exceptional precision and rapid results. These tests have a reputation for accurately identifying substance use, ensuring that both companies and individuals receive the most dependable data possible.
The accuracy of hair follicle testing means swift, reliable insights into drug use. Vandergrift businesses benefit from these tests' fast turnaround, empowering them to make well-informed decisions regarding staff and applicants without delay.
Hair follicle testing offers peace of mind for Vandergrift, PA employers committed to a drug-free workplace. By adhering to stringent drug policies, organizations can bolster compliance, minimize legal risks, and enhance workplace safety.
Adopting this testing method helps maintain a secure work environment, creating a sustainable culture that emphasizes safety and productivity while reducing potential liabilities.
