Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can reveal an extensive timeline of drugs and alcohol by entrapping biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When hair is clipped close to the scalp, it can offer close to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four fundamental phases in the laboratory handling of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the act of inserting a sample into a lab’s system initially. This step involves ensuring the sample is correctly sealed and transported, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any supplementary information entry not incorporated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary swift check for drug abuse indicators. Although Screening presents a budget-friendly approach to dismiss potential drug usage in most specimens, a positive screen must undergo verification to be legally valid. Samples that yield a presumptively positive result during Screening demand subsequent confirmation.
When a sample is screened as presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch and processed for Extraction. During this phase, drug substances are extracted from the hair at significantly lesser concentrations compared to alternative techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing the most challenging protocol to implement.
To confirm any positive Screening outcome, methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS are employed. All samples that test presumptive positively undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guideline and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation stipulations.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle itself beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Yatesville, PA centers around enhanced accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests offer an expansive detection window, capturing months of substance use instead of days. This makes it ideal for organizations keen on comprehensive evaluations. The easy and non-invasive testing further bolsters its superiority in drug testing protocols.
Extended Detection Window in Yatesville, PA offers significant advantages in hair follicle testing. It provides an up to 90-day drug use history, far exceeding traditional methods like urine testing. This prolonged window allows employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance habits, playing a crucial role in hiring and monitoring employees effectively, supporting safer workplaces.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Yatesville, PA is crucial for ensuring reliable drug test results. Hair follicle tests are remarkably difficult to tamper with, unlike other specimen types. They are taken in a controlled manner, drastically minimizing any possibility of adulteration. This ensures that the contributed sample remains unaffected, offering unquestionable outcomes for employers and authorities.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Yatesville, PA ensure streamlined services for all clients. These centers make testing easily accessible no matter the location, delivering services that are quick and hassle-free. With Accredited Drug Testing, individuals and organizations enjoy the benefit of local access coupled with a national network, simplifying the entire testing process.
Simple, Confidential Process in Yatesville, PA describes the seamless approach to drug testing. Initiating tests is straightforward; orders can be placed confidentially with results available swiftly. This respects individual privacy while ensuring efficient service delivery. Whether for individual or organizational needs, the process is designed to minimize complications and maximize confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Yatesville, PA characterize the value offered by hair follicle testing. Competitive pricing structures ensure that businesses receive premium services without financial burden. Coupled with rapid turnaround times, companies of all sizes can benefit from quick, reliable results, reflecting the synergy of cost-effectiveness and expedience synonymous with Accredited Drug Testing.
Fast Results in Yatesville, PA are essential for effective decision-making in workplace safety and compliance. Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their unmatched speed and precision. With sophisticated lab processes, results are accurate and delivered swiftly, ensuring that employers have the data they need without delays. This reliability allows businesses to maintain their standards uncompromised.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Yatesville, PA highlight the advantages of consistent drug policy enforcement. Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns employers with zero-tolerance strategies, significantly minimizing potential legal issues. It promotes a safe and productive workplace environment, ensuring that substances are not a concern, thus fostering peace of mind for both employers and employees.
