Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand, hair offers an extensive historical record of alcohol and other drugs. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use for up to around 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
An optimal sample for screening and confirmation is derived from 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair may be collected. Head hair denotes scalp hair only, while body hair encompasses other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal stages in laboratory processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning means integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system initially. This stage ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any missing data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though cost-effective for excluding drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen requires verification to be court-admissible. Samples presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction preparation. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screen result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bainbridge, PA stems from its numerous benefits. Hair testing surpasses urine testing by offering extended detection and resistance to tampering.
The Extended Detection Window in Bainbridge, PA offered by hair follicle testing is a substantial advantage. This method assesses drug use over a significant period.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bainbridge, PA is a key feature of hair follicle tests. The methodology reduces the possibility of sample manipulation, ensuring veracity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Bainbridge, PA ensure accessibility across the United States. Test centers facilitate easy and hassle-free drug testing.
The process is Simple and Confidential in Bainbridge, PA. Hair follicle tests promise ease and privacy from ordering to results.
Offering Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bainbridge, PA is a highlight. To meet company needs, competitive pricing and expedited processing are prioritized.
Fast and Accurate Results in Bainbridge, PA highlight the superiority of hair follicle drug tests in terms of timeliness and precision. These tests quickly identify substance use, offering high reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bainbridge, PA is achieved through hair follicle testing. This method supports adherence to workplace policies and enhances safety.
