Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can offer a prolonged history of drug and alcohol intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of actively developing hair. When trimmed near the scalp, hair can yield up to a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) nearest to the scalp will suffice for 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for evaluation and verification. For EtG, additional assessments, or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We advocate using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen’s weight. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a proportional amount of body hair may be gathered. When referencing head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug testing outcome in a lab encompasses four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the preliminary integration of a specimen into a laboratory’s system. This involves checking if the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, designating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that show a preliminary positive in Screening require a further confirmation.
If a specimen indicates a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves retrieving drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration than via other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screenings the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Collinsburg, PA, surpasses traditional urine tests by offering greater accuracy and reliability. Not only do these tests have an extensive detection window, but they also resist manipulation methods common in urine testing. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests provide a more comprehensive view of an individual’s drug use history, making them an ideal choice for employers and legal bodies.
Benefits of Hair Testing:
With a remarkable detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Collinsburg, PA, provides employers insight into an individual's substance use history. This extended detection period goes beyond standard urine tests, offering a broader understanding of an applicant or employee's habits.
Key Advantages:
Hair follicle tests in Collinsburg, PA, offer a tamper-resistant screening method that significantly reduces the chance of sample adulteration. This reliability ensures the results are trustworthy and free from manipulation.
Security Features:
Our hair follicle testing in Collinsburg, PA, benefits from numerous convenient testing centers nationwide. Accessing our services proves both quick and hassle-free, aiding those in need of comprehensive testing.
Accessibility:
Conducting hair follicle tests in Collinsburg, PA, is straightforward and maintains confidentiality. The simple process ensures privacy while delivering rapid results.
User Experience:
In Collinsburg, PA, hair follicle testing is priced competitively, with quick turnaround times that provide excellent value. This affordability, combined with prompt results, supports companies of any size.
Value Proposition:
In Collinsburg, PA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision. These tests deliver reliable results that accurately detect substance usage. The streamlined process ensures high accuracy, making it a dependable choice for organizations and individuals alike.
Why Choose Hair Testing:
Employers in Collinsburg, PA, looking to uphold drug-free workplaces can achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal and safety risks, ensuring a safer work environment.
Employer Benefits:
