Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Collected near the scalp, it offers a detection span of up to around three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easily transported.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hairs (approximately equivalent to a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides the optimal 100mg sample for testing and confirmation. For EtG testing, add-ons, and tests beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample is advisable. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" pertains to scalp hair, while "body hair" denotes other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Outline
The drug testing process encompasses four essential phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial step of integrating a sample into the lab's workflow. This phase includes confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any supplementary data not covered by an electronic custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for detecting drug presence. While cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result must undergo confirmation for legal validity. Samples testing positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drug substances are isolated from hair at significantly lower levels than found in alternative methods (e.g., urine or saliva), a reason why hair drug testing poses greater challenges.
Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples flagged as positive are cleansed before Confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation protocols and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Annville, PA, hair follicle tests prove superior to traditional urine tests. They offer enhanced accuracy and reliability, providing a wider detection window and reducing opportunities for tampering. This method significantly surpasses urine tests in detecting drug use history, providing peace of mind for employers.
Extended Detection Window
In Annville, PA, hair follicle testing offers a prolonged detection period for drugs, covering up to 90 days. This capability provides employers with a thorough understanding of an applicant's or employee's substance use history, thereby ensuring a drug-free workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Annville, PA, hair follicle tests stand out for their robustness against sample adulteration. They ensure reliable and unquestionable results by drastically reducing the chances of tampering, making them a trusted choice for both employers and legal professionals.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
With extensive testing center options in Annville, PA, our nationwide network ensures easy access for hair follicle testing. This convenience allows individuals and businesses to quickly and efficiently meet their testing needs without hassles.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Annville, PA, ordering, performing, and receiving results from a hair follicle test is straightforward and private. Our process prioritizes confidentiality, addressing any privacy concerns and ensuring an uncomplicated user experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Our hair follicle testing in Annville, PA, is competitively priced, with quick result delivery. This makes our services appealing to companies of all sizes, offering value without compromising on the quality or speed of testing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Annville, PA, hair follicle drug tests provide unmatched precision and speed. Their high accuracy in identifying substance use ensures that the results are dependable. These tests are designed to deliver prompt feedback, making them ideal for workplaces aiming for efficient drug screening solutions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Using hair follicle testing in Annville, PA, ensures employers comply with drug-free workplace standards, minimizing legal risks. This method enhances workplace safety and gives employers the certainty of adhering to best practices in drug testing.
