Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the expanding hair fibers. When collected from near the scalp, hair can supply an approximate 3-month detection timeframe for substances. Its collection is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and its transport is uncomplicated.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of around 200 strands of hair (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimum amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a recommendation of 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. When reference is made to head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases within the laboratory process for determining a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary processing of a specimen within a laboratory’s framework. It involves ensuring proper sealing and shipping of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Screening serves as an economical approach to exclude drug usage in the majority of samples; however, a positive screen requires further confirmation to be valid in a legal setting. Samples that yield presumptive positives in the Screening phase necessitate a confirmatory procedure.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen for Extraction. This step involves extracting the drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most intricate methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of a positive screen result is undertaken using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation when required. The full laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the alignment to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
When considering drug testing methods, hair follicle testing in Patterson Heights, PA vastly outperforms traditional urine tests in accuracy and reliability. While urine tests cover a shorter detection window, hair tests can catch drug use over a prolonged span.
Hair testing's ability to detect drug usage over a longer period allows it to provide more comprehensive analysis. This is invaluable for employers looking for detailed history rather than immediate results.
In the context of Patterson Heights, PA, hair follicle testing offers a 90-day detection window for substance use, significantly more than urine tests. This expansive timeframe delivers a broad view of an individual's substance habits.
Employers benefit from the prolonged detection capacity, gaining a more thorough understanding of a potential or current employee's substance consumption history, aiding in better decision-making.
Hair follicle drug tests are nearly impossible to adulterate, offering a tamper-resistant method in Patterson Heights, PA. This ensures that the integrity of the sample remains intact and the results are incontrovertible.
Using hair samples reduces the risk of substitution or contamination, providing employers with confidence in the test results.
Across Patterson Heights, PA, and nationwide, our testing services offer convenience and accessibility. With numerous centers available, clients experience quick and hassle-free access to our services.
The widespread presence of our testing facilities means that wherever you are, quality hair testing is within reach, streamlining the process for all involved.
Our testing process in Patterson Heights, PA is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, we maintain privacy, ensuring a smooth experience for all participants.
The straightforward nature of the process means less worry about privacy concerns, focusing instead on acquiring the information needed quickly.
Patterson Heights, PA enjoys affordable pricing and fast turnaround times with our hair follicle drug testing packages. Companies of various sizes find great value in our competitive price model.
Expeditious results partnered with cost-effective solutions create peace of mind, knowing the financials align with the budget without compromising on quality.
In Patterson Heights, PA, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable drug detection. Their high precision ensures that substance use is caught effectively, offering solutions when time is of the essence.
The rapid results from hair testing allow for quick decision-making. Employers can depend on swift responses that detail accurate consumption history, fortifying their hiring processes with precise data.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Patterson Heights, PA helps employers remain compliant with drug-free work policies. This brings peace of mind, reducing potential legal repercussions and fostering a safer workplace.
The assurance of adherence to policies allows employers to focus on productivity, knowing their workforce aligns with their company's standards.
