Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug usage by securing biomarkers within the hair strand fibers as they develop. Collecting hair near the scalp can offer a detection period for alcohol and drugs extending up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, suitable for both screening and confirmation. For advanced tests above 10 panels, including EtG or add-ons, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes other types like facial hair, axillary hair, etc.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test is comprised of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails initially processing a sample into the laboratory's system. This process verifies proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional necessary data entry that the electronic chain of custody may not provide.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation to identify drugs of abuse. Though Screening provides an economical way to eliminate the majority of samples regarding drug use, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening need subsequent confirmation.
Samples that show a presumptive positive during Screening advance to Extraction, where more hair is extracted from the initial sample for further processing. The Extraction phase retrieves drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging methodology.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are employed to confirm any positive screening results. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before the Confirmation stage if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often described as "hair follicle tests", the procedure evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Washington, PA, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. While urine tests are mainly effective for recent exposure, the hair method excels in accuracy and reliability. This superior detection method provides a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance use history, positioning it as the preferred option among employers and professionals enforcing strict drug policies.
In Washington, PA, the hair follicle testing’s extended detection window is beneficial for employers. Capable of highlighting drug use up to 90 days prior, it delivers a broader view of an individual’s substance exposure. This comprehensive assessment tool empowers employers to make informed decisions regarding hiring and maintaining a safe workplace environment.
Hair follicle testing in Washington, PA, significantly curbs the risk of sample tampering. The methodology presents a robust barrier against adulteration, guaranteeing the integrity and veracity of results. This tamper-resistant nature of hair testing secures trust and authenticity, vital for operations requiring stringent drug-free policies.
Experience the ease of access with our numerous testing centers across Washington, PA, and Nationwide. Simplifying the drug testing process, these conveniently located facilities enable quick and hassle-free evaluations, ensuring that individuals can acquire necessary testing without undue delay or inconvenience.
In Washington, PA, the hair follicle testing procedure is straightforward and private. The order, collection, and result retrieval processes are designed to be efficient and confidential, addressing concerns about privacy and facilitating an overall seamless experience for all involved parties.
Washington, PA, benefits from our cost-effective pricing and swift result delivery in hair follicle testing. Our competitive rates and rapid turnaround offer excellent value. Ensuring affordability for companies of varying sizes, this efficiency provides peace of mind, aligning with budget constraints while prioritizing test accuracy.
Emphasizing precision, hair follicle drug tests in Washington, PA, provide fast and reliable results. The methodology ensures a highly accurate detection of substance use, making it the preferred choice for entities demanding precision in testing outcomes. The rapid turnaround and trustworthy results offer assurance to those responsible for maintaining safety and compliance.
Employers in Washington, PA, gain compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. Ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies, it reduces legal liabilities and enhances workplace safety. The reliable results help sustain a secure environment, offering reassurance and regulatory adherence for all stakeholders involved.
