Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a detailed history of drug and alcohol use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected from near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to three months for drugs and alcohol. It's easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hairs (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) harvested close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is preferable. It's advisable to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (face, armpits, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in lab processing for drug testing results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves incorporating the sample into the lab's system, ensuring that it's properly sealed and delivered, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment to check for drug traces. While it's a cost-efficient way to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which is why hair testing is among the most complex methodologies.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples deemed presumptively positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is certified under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Walkers Mill, PA, hair follicle testing offers superior advantages over traditional urine analysis. Accuracy is a crucial factor, as hair tests provide a detection window covering up to 90 days. This extended period ensures a more reliable assessment of an individual's drug use, bypassing the short detection span of urine tests. Employers benefit from the reliability of hair testing, ensuring informed decisions on policy enforcement.
In Walkers Mill, PA, the extended detection window of hair follicle tests presents undeniable benefits. Capable of identifying drug use over a period of up to 90 days, these tests offer a thorough insight into a person's substance history. For employers, this means understanding an applicant or employee's drug habits, ensuring comprehensive evaluations that facilitate informed employment decisions.
Walkers Mill, PA, residents benefit from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests. Unlike other methods, hair testing significantly curtails any risk of test sample tampering. This reduction in adulteration ensures that employers receive reliable and verifiable results, providing confidence in the authenticity and validity of the test outcomes.
In Walkers Mill, PA, our nationwide testing centers offer unmatched convenience for drug testing services. These facilities ensure optimal accessibility, allowing individuals and employers to access testing services swiftly and without hassle. The ease and speed of reaching a local center highlight our commitment to client convenience and satisfaction.
Our testing process in Walkers Mill, PA, is both simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test, and receiving results, our streamlined process guarantees utmost privacy and ease of use. Clients can rest assured that their personal and sensitive information is protected, ensuring confident participation in the testing protocol.
For companies in Walkers Mill, PA, our services boast affordable pricing coupled with a fast turnaround time. We understand the need for cost-effective solutions, providing exceptional value while delivering results promptly. This commitment to value and efficiency ensures businesses of all sizes can access our testing services without compromising on quality.
For those in Walkers Mill, PA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. These tests deliver fast and accurate results, with substance detection capabilities far exceeding that of other methods. Employers and individuals can rely on the high accuracy of hair testing, which provides a comprehensive analysis of an individual's substance use history, all achieved in a swift manner.
Hair follicle testing assists employers in Walkers Mill, PA, in achieving compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method helps reduce legal risks while ensuring a safer work environment. By adopting hair analysis, companies ensure peace of mind, knowing that their hiring practices and workplace policies align with regulatory standards and safety protocols.
