Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. It offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can provide up to a 3-month detection span for alcohol and other substances. It's easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. It's best to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. Our reference to head hair implies scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the basic processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This process comprises confirming that the sample was securely sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data input not accounted for by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though it serves as an economical method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a confirmed screen is essential to meet court standards. Positive screens from Screening demand a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample return a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. Here, drugs are drawn from the hair at far lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly complex to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives are cleaned pre-confirmation if necessary. The entire procedure — from Accessioning to Confirmation — is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 certifications.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Fort Washington, PA, hair testing clearly comes out on top. The advantages include enhanced accuracy and reliability that surpasses urine tests. Hair tests provide a longer detection window and require an observed collection process, making them harder to manipulate and ensuring authentic results far superior to urine alternatives.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Fort Washington, PA, offers distinct advantages. These tests can uncover drug use for a period of up to 90 days, providing employers with a detailed overview of an individual’s substance use history. This in-depth insight assists in more informed decision-making for hiring and workforce management, endorsing a healthier work environment.
Employers in Fort Washington, PA benefit from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing. By significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests ensure that the findings are both reliable and indisputable. The integrity of hair tests makes them a favored choice for organizations looking to maintain credibility and uphold stringent substance use policies.
In Fort Washington, PA, the accessibility of our nationwide testing centers simplifies the testing process. These centers ensure that testing services are quick, easy, and convenient. Employers benefit from hassle-free access to testing, both on a local and national scale, making the task of maintaining workplace safety effortless and efficient.
Maintaining simplicity and confidentiality is at the heart of hair testing in Fort Washington, PA. The process is straightforward—from ordering the test to undertaking it and receiving the results. Concerns around privacy and user-friendliness are suitably addressed, reinforcing trust and ease for those undertaking these drug tests.
Fort Washington, PA's hair follicle drug testing services are both cost-effective and prompt. The competitive pricing structures, coupled with fast turnaround times, provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes. This affordability, in conjunction with efficiency, ensures companies receive optimal service without compromising on quality or speed.
In Fort Washington, PA, hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering swift, precise, and trustworthy results. Their advanced techniques allow for detecting substance use with remarkable accuracy, which assures employers of comprehensive and reliable outcomes. The speed and precision of these tests make them an invaluable asset for organizations needing accurate information without delay.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Fort Washington, PA, offers employers peace of mind by ensuring alignment with drug-free workplace policies. This form of testing not only reduces potential legal risks but also enhances overall workplace safety. By investing in such comprehensive testing methods, companies reinforce a culture of accountability and compliance among their workforce.
