Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair drug testing is recognized as an effective means of identifying alcohol and drug usage. It offers a comprehensive timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair's strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair samples can reveal drug and alcohol usage over a span of nearly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, less susceptible to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil), harvested close to the scalp, provides about 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, or exams exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the hair specimen using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test laboratory process consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample within the lab’s system. This stage involves confirming the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a quick initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method for excluding drug use in most samples, results that test positive require confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate subsequent validation.
Should a sample exhibit presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair from the original sample is extracted and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at substantially lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples indicated as presumptive positive undergo washing ahead of confirmation as required. The entire laboratory protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation is conducted on the hair strand and not the under-scalp follicle.
Compared to conventional urine tests, hair follicle testing in East Earl, PA, provides superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer a comprehensive overview of substance use, surpassing traditional methods. These tests are noteworthy for their ability to detect drug usage over an extended period, ensuring a more thorough analysis.
Hair follicle testing in East Earl, PA, offers an unparalleled detection window of up to 90 days. This extended period provides employers with a detailed view of an individual's substance history, facilitating informed decisions based on comprehensive data.
Hair follicle tests in East Earl, PA, significantly diminish the possibility of tampering, ensuring results are trustworthy and secure. This method strengthens the reliability of outcomes, as it is less susceptible to manipulation, providing confidence in determining an individual's substance profile.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including locations right in East Earl, PA, getting a hair follicle test is swift and straightforward. Our extensive network ensures that accessing testing services is hassle-free, saving time and providing ease for individuals and employers alike.
In East Earl, PA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and discreet. Ordering and taking the test is simple, and results are delivered confidentially, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring a user-friendly experience for everyone involved.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in East Earl, PA, provide excellent value. This cost-effective approach allows companies of all sizes to benefit from reliable testing without straining their budgets, ensuring swift results.
In East Earl, PA, the hair follicle drug test stands out for its speed and precision. This testing method ensures high accuracy, reliably identifying substance use quickly and efficiently. Its advanced detection capabilities offer unparalleled accuracy, making it a top choice for those seeking fast, precise results.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in East Earl, PA, helps businesses adhere to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks while enhancing workplace safety, offering peace of mind by ensuring employee compliance and upholding rigorous standards.
