Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has evolved to be regarded as a vital method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term indicator of alcohol and other drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When hair is sampled near the scalp, it can offer up to a roughly 3-month period for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. Assessing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the laboratory handling of a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of processing a sample within a laboratory’s system. This encompasses verifying that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a quick initial check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen has to be confirmed for it to be admissible in court. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening do require further confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity at the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen for the Extraction process. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered a challenging methodology.
The Confirmation of a positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed as needed before confirmation. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test itself examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Bacton, PA, hair follicle testing outperforms urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional methods, it provides a clearer picture of substance history.
Employers favor hair testing for its longer detection window and reliability, minimizing risks associated with substance abuse in the workplace.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Bacton, PA, spans up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an employee's drug use history.
Offering a long-term perspective on substance use, hair follicle tests provide employers with complete histories critical for informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests in Bacton, PA, greatly reduce the risk of sample tampering, ensuring unquestionable results. This makes them the preferred method for many organizations.
The robust anti-tampering features of hair testing offer peace of mind to companies, as the integrity of the sample collection process is protected.
Bacton, PA residents benefit from accessible testing services, thanks to nationwide centers. Quick and hassle-free testing ensures convenience for all.
Our centers are strategically located, offering ease of access and reducing the time and effort required for testing.
In Bacton, PA, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. We ensure privacy throughout ordering, testing, and result dissemination.
Addressing privacy concerns, the process we follow ensures confidentiality, putting individuals' minds at ease.
Bacton, PA offers competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, combined with swift turnaround times, bringing great value to organizations.
Fast results coupled with affordable rates provide businesses, big or small, with both value and assurance of timely insights into employee substance use.
Hair follicle drug tests in Bacton, PA, offer unmatched speed and accuracy in results. The tests demonstrate high precision in identifying substance use, making them a top choice for employers.
With swift and precise outcomes, these tests help businesses maintain safe environments through accurate detection of drug usage.
Employers in Bacton, PA, choose hair follicle testing to ensure compliance with drug-free policies. This testing method reduces legal risks while enhancing workplace safety.
Providing employers with peace of mind, hair testing upholds safety and regulatory standards, ensuring a secure work environment.
