Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now acknowledged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a retrospective account of substance usage by encapsulating biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of roughly up to 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, the same amount of body hair may be gathered. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is integrated into a laboratory’s database. This phase ensures that the sample is sealed and transported correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any missing data not recorded by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs. While screening is a budget-friendly method for excluding drug use in the majority of samples, confirmed positivity is necessary for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptive positive in screening must undergo confirmation.
If screening indicates presumptive positivity, additional hair from the original sample is extracted and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are withdrawn from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or saliva), making hair drug testing among the most intricate to execute.
Confirmation of any screening positives is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Samples that are presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though they're often termed "hair follicle tests", these tests examine the hair strand itself, not the follicle under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Lincoln Park, PA, is increasingly preferred over urine testing due to its superior detection capabilities. It far exceeds the traditional urine method by providing an extended detection window. This test is highly reliable, ensuring accurate assessments that are difficult to contest.
One major benefit of hair follicle testing in Lincoln Park, PA, is its extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This timeframe allows employers to acquire a comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history, aiding in safer hiring and management decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Lincoln Park, PA, significantly lower the risk of sample tampering. These tests offer reliable and unquestionable results, providing employers and professionals confidence in the integrity of the sample, reducing the chances of adulteration compared to other testing methods.
Accredited Drug Testing boasts convenient testing centers nationwide, including local facilities in Lincoln Park, PA. This ensures easy access to testing services with minimal hassle, providing users with fast and efficient service nationwide whenever required.
In Lincoln Park, PA, the process of hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering to sample collection and receiving results, ease and privacy are prioritized throughout the procedure, addressing any privacy concerns potential test-takers might have.
We offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround for hair testing services in Lincoln Park, PA. Companies of all sizes benefit from our affordable rates and quick result processing, securing excellent value and assurance without compromising on quality.
In Lincoln Park, PA, hair follicle drug testing offers rapid and precise results. These tests excel at revealing accurate substance use data, making them a top choice for professionals seeking reliable results. The method boasts a high level of detection accuracy, efficiently identifying drug use patterns with ease.
Employers in Lincoln Park, PA, gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method helps in reducing legal risks associated with non-compliance and enhances overall workplace safety, promoting a secure and productive working environment.