Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a chronological record of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair strand. Collected near the scalp, hair can deliver up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When we refer to head hair, we mean scalp hair alone. Body hair encompasses other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is integrated into the lab's system. This includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data input not already provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is budget-friendly for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive outcome must be verified to stand in a court of law. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is taken and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are drawn from hair at lower concentrations than found in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening presents the greatest challenge.
Confirmation of any positive result from screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes a review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In East Norriton, PA, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests by offering unmatched detection accuracy. This method provides employers and substance abuse professionals superior reliability, with a much longer detection period that clearly highlights past drug use, while minimizing false negatives or tampering, thereby offering peace of mind.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in East Norriton, PA, proves advantageous for a comprehensive substance use assessment. Covering a span of up to 90 days, this method offers organizations an inclusive outlook on a candidate's or employee's drug history, surpassing the shorter duration of urine tests.
In East Norriton, PA, hair follicle tests stand as a tamper-resistant method for drug screening. Such tests greatly limit adulteration risks, ensuring the results are trustworthy and irrefutable. This high level of reliability is crucial for entities requiring stringent assessments.
In East Norriton, PA, our widespread testing center network provides convenience for those seeking testing services. With locations nationwide, access is made quick and easy, allowing for hassle-free testing experiences, which caters to individuals as well as large organizations alike.
The process for hair follicle testing in East Norriton, PA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering and testing to receiving results, the steps are straightforward and safeguard privacy, offering ease and peace of mind throughout the entire procedure.
In East Norriton, PA, our hair follicle testing services provide affordable pricing with swift turnaround times. This ensures that organizations, whether large or small, receive excellent value from reliable testing, creating an advantageous balance between cost and quality.
The hair follicle drug test offers remarkable precision and speed in East Norriton, PA. It provides reliable detection of substance use, thanks to its sophisticated methods. High accuracy in results ensures that any instances of drug use are effectively identified, aiding organizations and individuals alike in obtaining necessary information promptly.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in East Norriton, PA, ensures workplace compliance with drug-free policies, offering employers peace of mind. It reduces legal risks associated with drug use, creating a safer working environment while adhering to zero-tolerance regulations. This method is instrumental in maintaining organizational integrity.
