Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair holds a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing markers within the strands as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reflect substance use for up to roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly pencil-sized) near the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (like facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the lab involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial intake of a sample into a lab's system, ensuring it was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening provides an initial drug use check. While cost-effective for ruling out illegal substance use in most samples, a Screening's positive result must be confirmed to be court-admissible. Samples presumed positive in Screening require secondary verification.
For samples presumed positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted and readied for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the assessment targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In New Albany, PA, hair follicle testing exhibits clear advantages over traditional urine tests. One significant benefit is its ability to identify substance use with superior accuracy and reliability, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of uses. Unlike urine tests, which generally offer a shorter detection window, hair tests cover up to 90 days, thus presenting a broader overview of an individual's drug history.
Another advantage of hair follicle testing over urine testing is its resilience against result manipulation. Hair samples are collected under observation, minimizing the risk of tampering or substitution. This aspect of hair testing ensures a level of integrity and dependability that is paramount for organizations maintaining zero-tolerance drug policies.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in New Albany, PA, provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's drug usage history. By covering up to 90 days of substance use, hair follicle tests allow employers to gain insights into a candidate's long-term behaviors, thus facilitating informed hiring decisions.
Employers benefit from the longer detection period of hair testing, enhancing their ability to safeguard the workplace from potential substance-related issues. With visibility into up to three months of drug use, organizations can establish a thorough understanding of an applicant's or employee's substance patterns, promoting a safer work environment.
Hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant testing method in New Albany, PA, significantly reducing the risk of adulteration. The observed collection process and the unique nature of hair samples make it challenging for individuals to tamper with results, ensuring reliability and accuracy.
The reliability of hair follicle testing comes from its design to resist manipulation. This testing method is a cornerstone for organizations prioritizing unwavering accuracy in drug detection, offering peace of mind to those enforcing strict no-drug-use policies.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including those in New Albany, PA, accessing hair follicle testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. Our extensive network of centers ensures quick and easy service, minimizing disruption to your schedule while guaranteeing timely testing.
Our strategic placement of testing centers across the nation allows individuals and businesses in New Albany to access drug testing services conveniently. This ease of access supports the need for rapid response and consistent testing capabilities, fostering a proactive approach to drug management.
In New Albany, PA, the process for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting samples and receiving results, every step is designed to protect your privacy and make the experience straightforward.
The confidentiality and simplicity of the hair follicle testing process ensure that individual privacy concerns are addressed effectively. This transparent approach fosters trust and encourages greater participation in drug testing programs, supporting broader health and safety goals.
Offering affordable pricing and swift turnaround in New Albany, PA, hair follicle testing provides excellent value to companies of any scale. Our competitive pricing structures are matched by the quick delivery of results, ensuring businesses receive cost-effective and timely data.
With a balance of affordability and efficiency, our hair follicle testing service empowers companies in New Albany to manage their drug testing needs without stretching their budgets. Fast turnaround times further enhance the value proposition, enabling businesses to maintain operational momentum.
Hair follicle drug testing in New Albany, PA, promises fast, accurate, and reliable results. This testing method identifies substance use with high precision, offering trustworthy outcomes. Its efficiency in processing ensures timely feedback, empowering individuals and organizations with the information they need to make informed decisions quickly.
When speed and accuracy matter, hair follicle drug tests lead the industry. The precision in detecting drug use is unmatched, enabling comprehensive and timely reporting. This rapid and exact testing empowers the community by providing the clarity needed to ensure safety and compliance in various settings.
For employers in New Albany, PA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance and peace of mind. By implementing this testing method, businesses can adhere to stringent drug-free workplace policies and reduce legal risks associated with substance-use issues.
Hair follicle testing contributes to a secure and compliant work environment. By offering a reliable method to detect drug use, employers can enhance workplace safety and diminish potential liabilities, ensuring their operations align with regulatory standards and internal policies.
