Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by incorporating biomarkers into its fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat tough to alter, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair may be obtained. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This involves checking that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug usage on most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in court. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening do require a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In Darby Township, PA, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests are more dependable than their traditional counterparts, offering a more extensive historical perspective on substance use. Compared to urine tests, which might miss recent drug use beyond a certain period, hair testing captures a comprehensive drug use timeline.
In Darby Township, PA, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window for drug use, covering up to 90 days. This longer timeframe offers a thorough overview of an employee's prior substance use, a crucial aspect for employers assessing long-term drug use patterns. The extended window enhances the understanding and monitoring of an individual's drug history.
Hair follicle testing in Darby Township, PA, is known for its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests significantly mitigate the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring truthful, uncontaminated results. This advantage provides peace of mind to employers and authorities who rely on accurate test results for decisive actions.
With convenient nationwide testing centers and local services in Darby Township, PA, obtaining a hair follicle test is hassle-free. Our widespread network ensures that individuals and employers benefit from accessible and swift testing solutions, making the process as seamless and efficient as possible.
In Darby Township, PA, the simple, confidential process of hair follicle testing addresses privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use. From ordering the test to receiving results, our process is designed to prioritize your privacy and convenience, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience throughout.
In Darby Township, PA, our hair follicle testing services feature affordable pricing and fast turnaround. Companies of all sizes benefit from our competitive rates and quick result delivery, which enhances value and minimizes wait times. This affordability does not compromise accuracy, offering excellent results promptly.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Darby Township, PA, set them apart. These tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results, effectively identifying substance use. The methodologies involved ensure a high degree of accuracy, providing trustworthy outcomes in minimal time frames. Furthermore, the robustness of this testing form guarantees consistency in results.
Employers in Darby Township, PA, benefit from hair follicle testing due to assured compliance and peace of mind. This testing method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, diminishes legal risks, and strengthens workplace safety. With reliable test results, employers feel confident in their comprehensive drug use monitoring practices.
