Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening is now recognized as an effective tool for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, it provides an estimated 3-month window for detecting drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of roughly 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG add-ons and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal stages in the lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the preliminary handling of a sample into the lab's system. This step verifies correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any absent data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. Though Screening efficiently rules out drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that test positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
If a sample tests positive during Screening, further hair is taken from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening notably complex.
Positive screening results undergo confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards compliance.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis involves the hair strand rather than the follicles under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing: In Dillsburg, PA, the advantages of hair testing over traditional urine tests are clear. Hair follicle tests offer superior accuracy and reliability, with an unmatched ability to detect drug use over extended periods. This makes them an invaluable resource for organizations committed to maintaining a drug-free environment.
The Extended Detection Window of hair follicle testing in Dillsburg, PA provides a comprehensive snapshot of an individual's substance history. Able to capture drug presence for up to 90 days, this testing method is invaluable for employers seeking a thorough understanding of an employee's or applicant's past drug use, thereby aiding informed hiring and retention decisions.
In Dillsburg, PA, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle drug testing drastically minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. This secure testing method ensures that results are reliable and trustworthy, thereby upholding the integrity of the drug testing process for all involved parties.
Our Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations include local sites in Dillsburg, PA. This accessibility provides an easy, hassle-free means to obtain testing services, whether you require them regularly or sporadically, ensuring that testing needs are met with minimal disruption to daily activities.
The hair follicle testing process in Dillsburg, PA is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to the actual delivery of results, the process respects individual privacy while maintaining ease of use, addressing any concerns individuals might have about confidentiality and procedural transparency.
In Dillsburg, PA, our pricing is competitive, ensuring Affordable options alongside Fast Turnaround times. This balance of cost-effectiveness and efficiency provides value and reassurance, especially for businesses aiming to enforce drug policies without incurring prohibitive expenses.
In Dillsburg, PA, hair follicle drug tests are known for their fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes. The precision with which these tests detect substance use is unparalleled. When time is of the essence, hair tests deliver rapid results, ensuring that both employers and individuals receive timely information critical for decision-making processes.
Employers in Dillsburg, PA gain substantial peace of mind with compliance assurance through hair follicle testing. This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing the safety and productivity of the workplace environment substantially.
