Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly viewed as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within its growing fibers. When samples are taken near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over a period of up to three months. The collection of hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for testing and validation. For EtG add-ons or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In cases where scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" applies to any other types of hair (such as facial or underarm hair).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is concerned with the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might lack.
Screening is a rapid initial test for traces of drug use. While Screening is cost-efficient and eliminates the likelihood of drug use in many cases, positive results from Screening need confirmation to be legally acceptable. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening must be verified by a further test.
When a presumptive positive result appears in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentration levels than in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug testing is among the more challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation testing for any positive screening outcomes is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests actually examine the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cambridge, PA
Comparing hair follicle and urine tests, hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability. For residents of Cambridge, PA, hair tests present a compelling option as they have a broader detection window and are less susceptible to manipulation, unlike traditional urine tests that are often limited to recent substance use detection.
Extended Detection Window in Cambridge, PA
With hair follicle testing, the possibilities of understanding drug use history extend significantly compared to other methods. In Cambridge, PA, employers benefit from a thorough 90-day retrospective into an individual's substance habits, offering a more complete view into potential risks without the need for repeated testing.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cambridge, PA
In Cambridge, PA, hair follicle tests offer a highly tamper-resistant approach. The structure of the hair makes it nearly impervious to adulteration or contamination, unlike urine samples which are easily manipulated. This ensures the authenticity and reliability of test results, providing assurance and accuracy in substance assessment.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Cambridge, PA
In Cambridge, PA, and nationwide, our testing centers offer incredible convenience. The ease of accessing services across numerous locations ensures that testing is never a hassle, making the whole experience simple and straightforward, from ordering to receiving results.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cambridge, PA
Our testing process in Cambridge, PA, is designed to be both simple and confidential. Clients can easily order tests, take them, and receive results without privacy concerns. This provides a user-friendly experience, ensuring security and confidentiality are prioritized throughout each step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cambridge, PA
Our competitive pricing structures in Cambridge, PA, along with fast result processing times, ensure clients receive excellent value. Catering to companies of all sizes, we focus on providing economic solutions without compromising the quality of testing accuracy and reliability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cambridge, PA
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and rapid turnaround. In Cambridge, PA, leveraging this method ensures you benefit from an unparalleled level of accuracy when it comes to detecting substance use. Results from hair tests are not only fast but also offer a more comprehensive insight into an individual's long-term substance use patterns.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cambridge, PA
With hair follicle testing in Cambridge, PA, employers enforce strict drug-free workplace standards, minimizing legal exposures and promoting a safer, more productive work environment. This reliable method helps ensure compliance with policies, offering peace of mind through its sustained detection capability.
