Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The growing hair fiber captures biomarkers, providing a long-term record of alcohol and drug use. When collected near the scalp, hair offers an estimated 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, difficult to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. In cases where scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test laboratory process includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation as the primary steps.
Accessioning encompasses the sample's initial integration into a lab's system, confirming proper sealing and shipping, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing any further data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, efficient analysis for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug presence in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Presumptive positive samples in Screening necessitate additional validation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing uniquely challenging.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are used to validate any positive screen results. Prior to confirmation, all suspected positive samples undergo a wash. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen by CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing brings a new standard to drug screenings in Arcadia University, PA. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability. Its greater accuracy in identifying drug use makes it a preferred choice for those seeking more comprehensive results, revealing usage up to 90 days back.
In Arcadia University, PA, hair testing extends the detection window much beyond standard methods. It effectively logs drug use history up to 90 days, granting employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history. This extended period helps in accurately assessing long-term habits and reliability of staff or applicants.
Hair follicle exams offer a tamper-resistant solution in Arcadia University, PA, significantly minimizing risks of adulteration. This method ensures sample integrity, providing trustworthy and indisputable results that other testing methods can't guarantee, thus granting peace of mind to all stakeholders in the testing process.
Convenience is key with our nationwide and Arcadia University, PA testing locations. Our extensive network ensures quick, easy access to testing services, eliminating hassles for individuals and organizations. This accessibility supports efficient drug testing processes, offering a seamless experience every step of the way.
The hair testing process in Arcadia University, PA, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From the initial order to receiving results, each step respects privacy and simplicity, addressing concerns and ensuring a positive user experience. This ease of use reinforces trust and reliability in the testing procedure.
Arcadia University, PA offers affordable pricing and swift turnaround for hair testing, providing businesses with outstanding value. Our competitive pricing models, matched with quick and reliable service, cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring they receive excellent service without compromising on speed or cost.
Achieving fast and precise results is crucial for drug testing. In Arcadia University, PA, hair follicle tests stand out with their speed and accuracy. These tests efficiently trace substance use, offering clear and correct outcomes every time. For employers seeking reliable screening, hair tests offer an unmatched balance of quick results and dependable precision.
For businesses in Arcadia University, PA, maintaining a drug-free workplace while adhering to compliance standards is simpler with hair follicle testing. This method not only aligns with workplace policies but also mitigates legal risks and enhances overall safety, providing peace of mind and secure work environments.
