Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair evaluation has emerged as a significant method for identifying the consumption of alcohol and drugs. Hair captures a longstanding record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers in the strands of developing hair. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection span of up to approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is effortless to gather, comparatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to dispatch.
An inch and a half sample of roughly 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for initial checks and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is advisable. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent measure of body hair might be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all alternate hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the primary handling of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This process includes confirming the sample was correctly sealed and sent, granting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective tactic to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for it to be court-admissible. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening mandate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample appears positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which explains why hair drug screening is notably challenging to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Albrightsville, PA
In Albrightsville, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy. Employers and institutions benefit from a method that is less prone to tampering and provides reliable, comprehensive results.
Extended Detection Window in Albrightsville, PA
Hair follicle testing provides a much longer detection window, up to 90 days, allowing employers in Albrightsville to gain an insightful view of an individual’s substance usage history. This extended window is crucial in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Albrightsville, PA
The integrity of hair follicle tests in Albrightsville lies in their resistance to adulteration. This method significantly diminishes the probability of sample tampering, ensuring results are dependable and beyond doubt.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Albrightsville, PA
With testing centers nationwide, including in Albrightsville, accessing our services is straightforward and stress-free. These readily available facilities ensure that testing is never a burden and offers swift service at your convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Albrightsville, PA
The procedure for scheduling, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results in Albrightsville is designed to be simple and confidential. This ensures user privacy and ease, making the testing process as discreet as possible.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Albrightsville, PA
With competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Albrightsville offers substantial value. Companies benefit from economical yet quality-focused testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Albrightsville, PA
Hair follicle testing in Albrightsville offers unparalleled precision and swift results. Renowned for its exceptional accuracy, it provides crucial insights into substance use, allowing for timely and informed decisions. Where speed and accuracy are priorities, hair testing stands unmatched.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Albrightsville, PA
Utilizing hair follicle testing fortifies compliance with workplace drug policies, offering businesses in Albrightsville significant legal safeguards and furthering a safe, drug-free working environment.