Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are increasingly regarded as a significant method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of narcotic and alcohol intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of nearly 3 months for these substances. It is easy to gather, rather challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, considered the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and analyses beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to measure the specimen's weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, the equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. In reference to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair, while body hair denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four central phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a specimen into a lab's system. This entails confirming the sample was sealed and transported appropriately, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly means to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be acceptable legally. Any samples presumptively positive need secondary verification.
If a sample tests presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most intricate method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", this test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Portage, PA, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine testing. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy, allowing for a detailed analysis of substance use over an extended period. Unlike urine tests, hair tests significantly reduce the possibility of sample tampering, making them a more reliable option.
Precision and reliability are the hallmarks of hair follicle surveys in Portage, PA. With a longer window of detection, these tests offer a comprehensive view compared to urine tests. The observed collection process further ensures the integrity and accuracy of the results, inspiring more confidence in outcomes.
In Portage, PA, the extended detection window of up to 90 days for hair follicle testing is a major advantage. It gives employers an in-depth look into an individual's substance use history. This long-term view is invaluable for assessing patterns of behavior, providing a more comprehensive insight than many other testing methods.
Employers in Portage, PA, benefit from the expansive detection window of hair follicle testing, which spans up to 90 days. This provides an opportunity to review an individual's long-term substance use, offering a more complete understanding rather than just short-term insights. It is a highly effective approach in forming judgements about a potential or current employee's substance habits.
Hair follicle testing in Portage, PA, significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering. The test's design ensures that results remain unquestionable and reliable, providing peace of mind to employers and law enforcers alike. This resistance to adulteration solidifies its position as a trustworthy testing method.
Tamper resistance is a key advantage of hair follicle testing in Portage, PA. Unlike other methods, hair tests are difficult to falsify, ensuring the credibility of the results. This reliability is crucial for maintaining integrity in drug testing procedures, especially in professional and legal settings.
The convenience of our nationwide testing centers, including those in Portage, PA, makes hair follicle testing readily accessible. With strategically located centers, testing becomes a quick and hassle-free process, allowing individuals and employers to easily meet testing requirements without unnecessary delays.
In Portage, PA, along with our nationwide network, offers convenient access to hair follicle testing services. This widespread availability ensures easy and efficient testing, accommodating the needs of our clients without any logistical challenges. Wherever you are, our services remain within reach for seamless testing experiences.
Portage, PA, offers a simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing, ensuring privacy and ease for all users. From ordering tests to receiving results, the entire procedure is streamlined and respectful of personal confidentiality, addressing any concerns related to privacy and personal data protection.
The process in Portage, PA, for hair follicle testing is both straightforward and confidential. Individuals and organizations can rest assured that their privacy is respected throughout the process, from the initial purchase to the receipt of results. This commitment to confidentiality and simplicity makes testing accessible and user-friendly for everyone.
Offering competitive prices and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Portage, PA, ensures excellent value for companies of all sizes. Affordable pricing, combined with rapid results, provides substantial benefits for businesses seeking reliable drug testing solutions without excessive costs.
Portage, PA's approach to hair follicle testing combines affordability with swift results, offering superior services at competitive pricing. This balance of cost and efficiency makes the tests accessible to diverse organizations, ensuring they can maintain high standards without overspending or compromising on quality.
The speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests in Portage, PA, are unparalleled. They deliver results rapidly, ensuring timely decisions can be made. Precision in testing ensures that substance use is detected reliably, leaving little room for error. Whether for employment or legal purposes, these tests stand out for their swift and accurate detection capabilities.
Fast results coupled with high accuracy define hair follicle testing in Portage, PA. With a focus on detecting even the smallest traces of substances, these tests offer a comprehensive analysis. Reliability is key, and hair tests consistently deliver on this promise, making them a preferred choice for many organizations.
Hair follicle testing provides compliance and peace of mind to employers in Portage, PA. By using this method, companies adhere to drug-free workplace policies more effectively, reducing potential legal risks. Ensuring safety and compliance not only protects the company but also promotes a safer work environment for all.
Peace of mind comes with the assurance of compliance through hair testing in Portage, PA. The method supports the enforcement of drug-free policies, mitigating legal challenges. Employers can trust in the reliability of results, which greatly contributes to upholding workplace safety and maintaining a healthy work culture.
