Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug ingestion by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, it can reveal substance use for up to roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, comparatively hard to tamper with, and simple to mail.
An ideal sample comprises a 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, providing 100mg of hair for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional substances, and/or tests over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We recommend evaluating the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair should be collected. Regarding head hair, only scalp hair is considered. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for obtaining a drug test result consists of four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial introduction of a sample into a lab's system. This includes checking if the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not available via an electronic chain of custody.
Screening undergoes a preliminary check for drug substances. Although Screening is affordable for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result must be validated for court use. All samples that test presumptively positive in Screening demand a secondary confirmation.
If a sample results as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this process, drug compounds are isolated from hair in much smaller amounts than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are washed before confirmation if required. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually involves the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Altamont, PA
Hair follicle testing provides noteworthy advantages over traditional urine tests. It offers superior accuracy and reliability in substance detection.
Extended Detection Window in Altamont, PA
Employers rely on hair follicle testing for an in-depth view of potential drug use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Altamont, PA
Hair follicle tests are a secure method for sampling, reducing risks of sample tampering.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Altamont, PA
Testing centers across the nation, including Altamont, provide smooth access to drug testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Altamont, PA
The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and secure, addressing confidentiality concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Altamont, PA
Our competitive pricing and prompt result delivery offer unmatched value for all business sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Altamont, PA
Altamont offers swift and precise hair follicle drug tests. Known for their high accuracy, these tests ensure thorough detection of substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Altamont, PA
By adopting hair follicle testing, employers ensure their drug-free policies are upheld.
