Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term data record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a quarter-year detection timeframe for alcohol and additional substances. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A section of hair measuring 1.5 inches in length, approximately 200 strands (resembling the diameter of a #2 pencil), close to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for assessment and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is essential. It is advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable volume of body hair may be used. Head hair solely refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug test evaluation comprises four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the first phase of integrating a sample into a lab's system. This step involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any supplementary data absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening serves as an economical option to negate drug usage in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample results in a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), highlighting hair drug screening as the most intricate method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair resolution and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the examination targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Woodside, PA, hair testing outperforms urine tests by offering enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests capture a larger window of drug use history, often unnoticed in standard urine tests. Such precision ensures that employers and other stakeholders in Woodside have the necessary assurance when evaluating substance use.
Extended Detection Window
The hair follicle drug test in Woodside, PA, thrives with its extended detection ability of up to 90 days. This prolonged window offers employers a comprehensive view, providing clear insights into an employee's or candidate's past substance usage. Such lengthened detection proves extremely beneficial in comprehensive evaluations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Woodside, PA, the hair follicle drug test is renowned for its resistance to manipulation. It significantly reduces any chances of sample tampering, establishing it as a reliable option for drug testing. Employers and entities can depend on these results, knowing they are authentic and accurate.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Woodside, PA, benefits from the nationwide convenience offered by our testing centers. With our widespread network, accessing hair follicle testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. This ease of access ensures prompt and efficient servicing throughout the nation.
Simple, Confidential Process
The process in Woodside, PA, for hair follicle testing ensures simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure is straightforward, ensuring user privacy and ease. This user-friendly approach reassures individuals worried about the privacy and intricacy of drug testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Woodside, PA, competitive pricing and quick result times characterize our hair follicle testing services. Catering to businesses of varying sizes, this approach guarantees great value, providing confidence in efficient service without exorbitant pricing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Woodside, PA, hair follicle drug tests provide highly accurate and quick results. The precision of these tests ensures credible detection of various substances, setting a high standard for reliability. This offers individuals and organizations in Woodside greater trust in the results, as substance use is identified with unmatched accuracy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Woodside, PA, find hair follicle testing vital for maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety protocols, hair testing offers peace of mind. It reinforces a commitment to a secure and drug-free working environment.
