Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strands. When clipped near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to roughly 3 months for substances. It is straightforward to gather, notably hard to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch portion comprising around 200 hairs (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or evaluations over 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair, while body hair includes all other hair kinds (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for processing a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initializing a sample into a lab’s system. This includes confirming the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional data absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary quick test for substance abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly means to preclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
In cases where a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction preparation. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at far lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Brandonville, PA, hair follicle testing outperforms urine testing comprehensively. Superior Detection Window: Hair testing extends up to 90 days compared to the shorter detection in urine tests.
Hair tests are also highly accurate and significantly more resistant to tampering than their urine counterparts. By opting for hair testing, stakeholders can feel assured of gaining unadulterated insights.
In Brandonville, PA, hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window, covering up to 90 days of drug use history. This provides employers a thorough view of an individual's substance habits over time.
This prolonged coverage is invaluable, equipping companies with a detailed perspective on potential applicants, helping to make informed hiring decisions.
Hair follicle examinations in Brandonville, PA, are highly resistant to tampering compared to traditional methods. Tamper-Resistant Features: The nature of hair testing diminishes the chances of sample adulteration significantly.
These tests deliver results that are reliable and irrefutable, reducing risks and ensuring trustworthy outcomes for all parties involved.
Brandonville, PA benefits from the convenience of having nationwide testing centers nearby. Ease and Accessibility: With numerous local and national locations, access to hair follicle testing is hassle-free.
This means that individuals and businesses can easily undergo required tests, without the stress of significant travel or wait times, ensuring efficient service delivery.
In Brandonville, PA, the process of hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. Streamlined Steps: From ordering to receiving results, each stage is designed to be hassle-free and respectful of privacy.
Those concerned with confidentiality can feel at ease knowing that both the procedure and results are managed with utmost discretion and simplicity.
Affordable pricing and swift results define hair follicle testing in Brandonville, PA. Cost-Effective Services: We offer competitive rates, ensuring excellent value.
The quick turnaround times allow companies, regardless of size, to receive accurate results promptly, balancing cost-efficiency with timely data acquisition for crucial decision-making.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests in Brandonville, PA, are unmatched. These tests provide rapid and reliable results, boasting high accuracy in detecting recent or historical substance use.
Fast and Dependable: Hair follicle tests generate results efficiently, allowing quick decision-making based on valid data.
As reliable as they are swift, these tests ensure that employers receive dependable information, empowering them to maintain safety and compliance.
In Brandonville, PA, hair follicle testing provides employers with assurance and stability. Compliance with Drug Policies: Such tests help ensure adherence to drug-free regulations, minimizing legal exposure and boosting workplace safety.
This translates to peace of mind for employers, knowing that their drug-testing process supports both legal requirements and a secure work environment.
