Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective method for uncovering alcohol and drug consumption. Hair encapsulates a lengthy history of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. A sample collected near the scalp potentially offers up to a three-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample weight on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. The term “head hair†specifically pertains to hair on the scalp, while “body hair†covers all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential phases in lab processing of a drug testing result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into a lab’s system. This process ensures the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executes any supplementary data input not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary fast check for substances of abuse. Although a cost-effective tactic to exclude drug use in many samples, any positive screen mandates confirmation to be court admissible, thus presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a follow-up validation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity at the Screening phase, additional hair from the primary sample is utilized for Extraction. Here, the extraction of drugs from hair occurs at lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g. urine or saliva), accounting for the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The superiority of hair follicle testing over urine testing in Burlington, PA stems from its enhanced accuracy. While traditional urine tests are effective, hair tests offer a broader detection window and reduce the chance of false negatives, ensuring a reliable evaluation.
The extended detection period in hair follicle testing provides a 90-day glimpse into an individual's drug use history. This comprehensive overview is invaluable for Burlington, PA employers looking to evaluate potential or current employees' substance activity.
Hair follicle tests in Burlington, PA minimize the possibility of sample manipulation. This tamper-resistant testing approach ensures the results are credible and trustworthy, thereby enhancing the confidence of those requesting the analysis.
Conveniently located testing centers in Burlington, PA, and nationwide make accessing hair follicle testing services straightforward. This broad network ensures services are readily available, facilitating a smooth experience for clients.
The hair follicle testing process in Burlington, PA is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, steps are made user-friendly, respecting privacy and reducing stress.
With competitive rates and swift result delivery, hair follicle testing is an economical choice for Burlington, PA businesses of all sizes. Experience affordability without sacrificing the quality or speed of service.
With swift and accurate processing, hair follicle drug testing delivers dependable results in Burlington, PA. The method identifies substance use with impressive precision, offering a practical solution for both employers and individuals seeking assured outcomes.
For Burlington, PA employers, using hair follicle testing guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This not only reduces potential regulatory issues but also fosters a safer work atmosphere.
