Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a long-lasting record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for around three months. Hair is straightforward to obtain, not easily tampered with, and convenient to mail.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing about 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weight is recommended. If scalp hair can't be acquired, a corresponding quantity of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core stages of processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with integrating a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drug presence. While Screening is an economical method for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples that screen positive require secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug analysis one of the most complex methodologies to execute.
Positive screening results are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in accordance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Ashland, PA, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy and reliability, as they can detect substances far beyond the limited detection window of urine tests. Through advanced techniques, hair testing reveals a more comprehensive picture of drug use, ensuring safer workplaces and informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Ashland, PA, provides an extended detection window, capable of looking into drug use history for up to 90 days. This allows employers an in-depth perspective on the substance habits of current or potential employees, ensuring a thorough evaluation that urine tests cannot match.
In Ashland, PA, hair follicle drug tests are a tamper-resistant method, significantly diminishing the chances of sample adulteration. This approach yields reliable and unchallengeable results, offering peace of mind that the samples remain unaltered and genuinely reflective of an individual's substance use.
Convenience in drug testing is assured with our nationwide and local testing centers in Ashland, PA. Our facilities are designed for ease and efficiency, allowing for swift, simple access to testing services. This assures individuals and organizations a hassle-free experience in managing testing needs.
The simple and confidential process of hair follicle testing in Ashland, PA, ensures privacy at each stage — from ordering the test to receiving results. This system prioritizes user-friendliness, addressing concerns regarding ease of use and safeguarding personal information efficiently.
In Ashland, PA, we offer affordable pricing combined with rapid turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Our competitive pricing strategies ensure great value for organizations of any scale, while swift processing guarantees reliable results without undue delays, providing firms financial benefits and operational efficacy.
In Ashland, PA, hair follicle drug tests deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results. They stand out in their precision and speed, offering high reliability in identifying substance use. This method ensures that organizations receive accurate assessments promptly, facilitating quick actions and maintaining a drug-free environment efficiently.
Employers in Ashland, PA, gain compliance and peace of mind using hair follicle tests. These tests ensure adherence to workplace drug policies, reducing legal concerns and promoting a secure, drug-free working environment. The comprehensive results aid firms in upholding safety and regulatory compliance effortlessly.
