Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive historical record of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers as the hair strand grows. By taking samples close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, modification is challenging, and transport is simple.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is preferred. It's advised to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair can be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the early phase of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. It involves validating that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data input not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening denotes an initial swift examination for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is an economical method to exclude drug consumption in the majority of samples, a positive screening outcome must be substantiated to be valid in court. Every sample that tests positive in Screening requires secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, compounds are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), illustrating why hair drug screening is one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Any positive screening outcome's Confirmation is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples that test positive are cleaned as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently mentioned as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strands, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Old Orchard, PA, hair follicle testing stands out over traditional urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities and consistency. It accurately uncovers long-term substance use, providing a detailed account that urine tests fail to deliver.
The advanced methodology ensures higher reliability, minimizing false negatives and enhancing the assurance in drug detection policies for various stakeholders.
Hair follicle testing in Old Orchard, PA, is known for its comprehensive detection window, tracing drug use history back up to 90 days. This extensive period allows for a more thorough assessment of an employee or applicant's past substance usage.
Employers benefit from this feature by gaining a long-term perspective on a person’s behavior, aiding in making informed hiring or retention decisions.
The hair follicle test is renowned in Old Orchard, PA, for its robustness against sample tampering. By significantly reducing the chances for adulteration, it guarantees trustworthy and unquestionable results.
Such reliability stems from the inherent nature of hair samples, which are less prone to manipulation compared to urine, ensuring the integrity of the testing process.
Convenience is paramount with easy access to hair testing facilities in Old Orchard, PA. Our exam centers are part of a larger network, making drug testing quick and straightforward.
This vast reach ensures that testing services are accessible, providing clients with hassle-free experiences across multiple locations nationally.
Hair follicle testing in Old Orchard, PA, is characterized by its simple and confidential process, putting ease of use and privacy at the forefront. From ordering to result acquisition, the steps are straightforward.
The reassurances of confidentiality and an unobtrusive procedure enhance user satisfaction and confidence in the service provided.
In Old Orchard, PA, hair follicle drug testing is not only thorough but also economically advantageous. The competitive pricing ensures affordability without compromising on speed and accuracy.
Companies of various scales can enjoy quick return times and valuable insights, bolstering fiscal planning and operational effectiveness.
The efficiency of hair follicle drug testing in Old Orchard, PA, is underscored by its swift and precise results. This method’s ability to deliver fast, reliable outcomes makes it a preferred choice for detecting substance use.
With high accuracy, these tests provide a robust assessment of an individual’s drug use, ensuring trust in the results while facilitating quick decision-making for employers and concerned parties.
Employers in Old Orchard, PA, achieve both compliance with drug-free workplace laws and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method helps mitigate legal risks while fostering safer work environments.
Ensuring adherence to zero-tolerance policies is simpler when leveraging the detailed insights provided by such thorough testing procedures.
