Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeframe of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. Reference to head hair specifies scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result involves four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the first processing of a sample within a laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary fast assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, confirmation is required for a positive screen to be court-admissible. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is a challenging methodology to execute.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle and urine tests in Apollo, PA, hair testing offers superior benefits. Hair tests are more reliable, providing a longer detection window and preventing evasion tactics. This enhanced accuracy ensures better outcomes for employers and agencies.
In Apollo, PA, hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window, tracking drug use for up to 90 days. This comprehensive insight helps employers make informed decisions about an individual's drug history and potential risks.
Hair follicle tests in Apollo, PA significantly lower the chances of sample tampering. This method ensures that the results are accurate and trustworthy, protecting the integrity of drug testing processes with unquestionable outcomes.
With convenient locations throughout Apollo, PA and nationwide, our testing services are accessible and hassle-free. Benefit from quick and easy access to hair follicle testing, ensuring a seamless process for all your needs.
Our process in Apollo, PA is simple and confidential, from ordering to receiving your results. We prioritize privacy, making the hair follicle testing experience straightforward and secure for every client.
In Apollo, PA, we offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our affordable rates provide excellent value, ensuring quick results and peace of mind for businesses of all sizes.
Hair follicle drug tests in Apollo, PA are known for their accuracy and speed. They provide precise detection of substance use, ensuring results you can trust. Our testing process is both efficient and reliable, giving you quick insights into drug use patterns.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Apollo, PA brings peace of mind to employers by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method minimizes legal concerns and enhances workplace safety, fostering a more secure environment.
