Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug exposure by encapsulating biomarkers within its growing strands. When taken near the roots, hair may offer up to a three-month timeline for alcohol and drug detection. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hairs (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is missing, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four crucial stages in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a quick preliminary check for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation to hold up in legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening must be confirmed with a secondary process.
If a sample indicates a preliminary positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair with a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples get washed before confirmation, as necessary. The lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The distinction of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Waterford, PA, lies in its superior accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a longer detection window, making them an advantageous option for employers. Traditional urine tests might miss substance use, while hair follicle tests offer comprehensive insights, helping enforce a drug-free workplace policy effectively, ensuring employee safety with no loopholes.
One of the prominent advantages of hair follicle testing in Waterford, PA, is the extended detection window it offers. Whereas urine tests monitor recent drug use, hair follicle tests can identify drugs up to 90 days prior. This longer assessment period enables employers to get a detailed view of a candidate's or employee's substance history, ensuring integrity within the workplace.
Situated in Waterford, PA, hair follicle testing delivers a tamper-resistant method, reducing the chance of sample manipulation. Unlike urine tests, which can sometimes be compromised, hair tests provide indisputable results. A hair sample is collected under supervision, virtually nullifying the risk of adulteration and ensuring the data’s reliability and validity for conclusive outcomes.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including those in Waterford, PA, Accredited Drug Testing ensures accessible and hassle-free testing options. Employers and individuals benefit from quick, easy access to testing services, eliminating geographical barriers and facilitating seamless procedures aligned with busy schedules.
In Waterford, PA, Accredited Drug Testing offers a straightforward, confidential process from start to finish. Ordering, conducting, and receiving test results is seamless, addressing privacy concerns effectively. Our process ensures individuals and employers receive reliable data swiftly, maintaining comfort and security each step of the way.
Accredited Drug Testing, located in Waterford, PA, offers competitive pricing and swift turnaround services, adding value for companies of all sizes. Hair follicle testing is not only effective but also cost-efficient, permitting companies to implement drug policies without financial strain. Quick delivery of results ensures peace of mind, supporting immediate organizational needs.
In Waterford, PA, hair follicle testing excels with its high precision and swift results, identifying substance use accurately. Hair tests boast unmatched accuracy, capturing a broader spectrum of drug metabolites compared to other methods, ensuring that nothing goes unnoticed. With speedy results coupled with reliability, they empower organizations to make informed decisions, fostering a productive, safe working environment.
Employers in Waterford, PA, find comfort in utilizing hair follicle testing, aiding compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This efficient testing method cuts legal risks and promotes safety, enhancing organizational well-being. Offering credible data, hair tests foster a harmonious workplace culture, leading to an assured, lower-risk environment.
