Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a chronic timeline of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. Samples taken proximate to the scalp can indicate a detection timeframe of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect and is relatively resistant to tampering, making it easy to dispatch.
A 1.5-inch sample containing around 200 hairs (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, providing the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or capabilities exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample is recommended. Should scalp hair be unattainable, an equivalent measure of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, we specifically imply scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory handles results through four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the primary procedure of integrating a sample into the lab's system. This process checks that the sample was securely sealed and correctly shipped, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any outstanding information entry not completed by an electronic custody tracking system.
Screening offers a preliminary comprehensive check for drug abuse indications. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for eliminating drug usage in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that initially present positive indications during Screening must undergo secondary verification.
Upon a positive indication in the Screening phase, additional hair from the sample is required and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at a notably lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), accounting for why hair drug testing is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Verification of any positive Screen findings is implemented with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo necessary cleaning prior to verification. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle under the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels Over Urine Testing at Messiah College, PA, lies in its remarkable detection accuracy and reliability. Compared to traditional urine tests, hair testing provides a much broader detection window, often up to 90 days, offering greater visibility into an individual's substance use history. The result is enhanced trustworthiness and precision that many institutions now prefer over older methods.
In Messiah College, PA, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window for drug use, up to 90 days. This enables employers to gain a more comprehensive insight into an employee's or applicant’s substance history. Unlike other methods, which provide shorter detection spans, hair follicle tests give companies a reliable means of understanding long-term substance use patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Methods at Messiah College, PA, significantly reduce any risk of sample adulteration in hair follicle testing. This process is renowned for yielding unquestionable and reliable results. Unlike other testing methods that might get manipulated, hair testing stands firm as an impenetrable barrier against tampering attempts, ensuring integrity throughout.
The convenience of having nationwide testing centers and local facilities in Messiah College, PA means easy and efficient access to testing services. Our testing locations ensure the process is both hassle-free and quick, allowing clients to get tested without unnecessary delays. This broad network of centers means wherever you are, swift testing is accessible.
The process of hair follicle testing at Messiah College, PA is designed to be both simple and confidential. Whether ordering, taking the test, or receiving results, our services prioritize client privacy and ease of access. The streamlined process ensures users can engage with testing without undue complexity, guaranteeing confidentiality and satisfaction.
Messiah College, PA benefits from affordable pricing and swift turnaround in hair follicle testing. We provide competitive prices while ensuring that results come promptly, offering excellent value for businesses of all sizes. This combination of cost-effectiveness and speed means companies receive the information they need swiftly and without financial strain.
At Messiah College, PA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. These tests provide accurate results when detecting substance use, significantly outperforming traditional methods. The process ensures professional collection and swift turnaround, making it ideal for those seeking fast and reliable outcomes. The efficiency of these tests means you can trust the data received in a short timeframe.
Employers in Messiah College, PA find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, as it greatly aids in maintaining compliance with workplace drug-free policies. Utilizing this testing method not only reduces legal risks but also enhances overall workplace safety. Providing a secure environment, it reliably supports companies in staying within regulatory confines.