Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended chronicle of alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection scope of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively difficult to tamper with, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 hairs (approximately the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding ten, a specimen weight of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. When referencing head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in processing a drug test result in a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s framework. This step verifies the sample's secure seal and proper shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputs any omitted data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial swift evaluation for drugs. While Screening proves cost-efficient in eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation to stand in court. Samples that show presumptive positives during Screening mandate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample indicate positives during the Screening phase, further hair is selected from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug analysis is the most complex methodology to administer.
Any positive screening outcome is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing as needed before confirmation. The overarching laboratory operation, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite frequently being termed "hair follicle tests", this test assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers notable advantages over traditional urine tests in Youngstown, PA. Its superior detection accuracy and reliability make it a compelling option.
Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection window, hair follicle tests can identify substance use over a more extended period, ensuring a comprehensive assessment.
With its extended detection window, hair follicle testing significantly increases the accuracy of assessing an individual's substance history in Youngstown, PA.
This method allows employers to make well-informed decisions, with the ability to detect drug use up to 90 days prior, offering a clear view of an individual's habits.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable results in Youngstown, PA.
This method provides confidence in the integrity of the results, making it a trustworthy option for rigorous drug testing.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient testing locations nationwide, including in Youngstown, PA, ensuring easy and fast access to services.
This extensive network allows for hassle-free testing options, catering to individuals and businesses alike.
The process of hair follicle drug testing in Youngstown, PA, is simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease of use.
From ordering the test to receiving the results, each step is designed to maintain confidentiality and streamline the user experience.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle drug testing in Youngstown, PA, provides excellent value for companies of all sizes.
These cost-effective services ensure that businesses can enforce drug policies without straining their budget.
Hair follicle drug tests in Youngstown, PA, are known for their precision and speed. They offer exceptionally accurate results, making them a preferred choice for detecting substance use.
The process is efficient and results are delivered swiftly, ensuring timely and reliable outcomes, which are crucial for informed decision-making.
Employers in Youngstown, PA, can achieve peace of mind and compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing.
This testing method helps mitigate legal risks and enhances workplace safety, fostering a more secure working environment.
