Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended history by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of a growing hair shaft. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month detection period for both alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will provide about 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It's recommended to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a specimen within a lab's system. This process involves ensuring that the specimen is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is an initial evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective method for eliminating drug use in most cases, any positive screening must be verified to be valid in legal proceedings. Presumptive positive samples from Screening do necessitate further confirmation.
When a specimen is presumptively positive during the Screening process, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for the Extraction stage. During this process, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration than with other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most complex method.
Confirmation of positive screening results is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo a wash prior to confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When it comes to detecting traces of drug use, hair follicle testing in Riverview Park, PA, often outshines the traditional urine test. With superior detection accuracy and reliability, hair tests provide a comprehensive view of drug use over a longer period. Employers and individuals benefit from results that are less susceptible to manipulation compared to urine tests.
The extended detection window of up to 90 days makes hair follicle testing ideal for employers in Riverview Park, PA. This testing method offers a clearer picture of an individual's substance use history, surpassing the shorter detection times associated with more traditional methods. Employers can make informed decisions based on extended insights into habitual substance use.
Riverview Park, PA has recently seen the rise of tamper-resistant hair follicle testing. These tests significantly reduce the possibility of sample adulteration, delivering results that are reliable and beyond question. This gives employers confidence in the integrity of the drug test results they rely on.
With numerous nationwide testing centers, including those in Riverview Park, PA, accessing reliable drug testing services has never been easier. The convenience offered by Accredited Drug Testing's extensive network ensures that testing can be quick and seamless, meeting the needs of clients wherever they may be located.
The process of ordering, performing, and receiving results for hair follicle tests in Riverview Park, PA, is both simple and confidential. Clients can rest assured that their privacy is maintained at every step, making this drug testing method preferable for those concerned about ease and discretion.
Accredited Drug Testing in Riverview Park, PA, offers competitive pricing structures without compromising speed or quality. Our fast turnaround times ensure companies receive top-notch service, providing exceptional value and peace of mind that fit any budgetary needs.
In Riverview Park, PA, hair follicle drug tests offer a rapid and precise method to identify substance use. Their high accuracy level is impressive, ensuring that results are both fast and dependable. This kind of testing is pivotal for organizations requiring timely and reliable insights into potential drug use among employees.
Employers in Riverview Park, PA can find peace of mind with hair follicle tests. This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies while also enhancing workplace safety. Legal risks are minimized, providing comprehensive compliance and reducing liabilities for businesses of all sizes.
