Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can encapsulate markers of alcohol and other substances within its fibers, offering an extended timeline of use. When hair is sampled close to the scalp, it can reveal up to nearly three months of alcohol and drug intake. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A sample of 1.5 inches, composed of approximately 200 strands of hair (equivalent to a #2 pencil thickness) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both preliminary testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is preferred. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair is absent, a proportional amount of body hair can be gathered. When head hair is mentioned, it specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Summary
The key stages in a laboratory's drug test evaluation include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample’s initial integration into a lab’s system. This covers the verification of proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data required beyond electronic chain of custody documentation.
Screening acts as an initial scan for potential drug residues. Although Screening is an economical approach for eliminating drug use in most samples, any positive indication must be validated for legal credibility. Samples yielding presumptive positives in Screening call for further confirmation.
For samples flagged positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original set and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing the most intricate method.
A confirmed positive from the Screening stage undergoes confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire workflow from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes review in accordance with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite frequently being called "hair follicle tests", the evaluation targets the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Eastwood, PA, hair follicle testing proves superior to traditional urine tests due to its enhanced detection accuracy and consistency. With hair tests, stakeholders benefit from longer drug detection windows, which urine tests can't match. This gives more reliable insights into an individual's drug history.
Hair follicle testing in Eastwood, PA, stands out for its extended detection window, revealing drug use up to 90 days back. This advantage allows employers to gain a holistic view of an individual's substance use history, crucial for making informed decisions in recruitment and personnel management.
In Eastwood, PA, hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant alternative to drug testing. This method significantly reduces the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring dependable results. With tests nearly impossible to cheat, employers can have confidence in the outcomes.
With numerous testing centers nationwide, including local facilities in Eastwood, PA, we offer quick and hassle-free access to drug testing services. Our expansive network ensures that individuals can easily find a convenient location to meet their testing needs.
In Eastwood, PA, our hair follicle testing process is simple and ensures confidentiality. From ordering the test to collecting samples and receiving results, everything is designed to protect privacy while providing clients with a straightforward experience.
In Eastwood, PA, our hair follicle testing solutions offer affordable pricing with rapid turnaround times. This ensures that companies, regardless of size, can access valuable services without straining their budgets, thus providing peace of mind and value.
The precision and swift nature of hair follicle drug tests in Eastwood, PA stand out in detecting substance use. Their high accuracy ensures that employers receive reliable data promptly, supporting quick decision-making. This efficiency makes them a preferred choice for businesses prioritizing safe and drug-free environments.
Hair follicle testing in Eastwood, PA, provides employers with compliance and peace of mind. By adhering to drug-free workplace policies, companies can mitigate legal risks and bolster workplace safety, making hair tests a strategic choice for maintaining compliance.
