Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When obtained from near the scalp, hair can reveal up to around a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair samples is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil thickness), nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests like EtG add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weight of 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. In scenarios where scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be collected. When discussing head hair, we strictly refer to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in processing a drug test result in the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening encompasses a preliminary swift evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening serves as a budget-friendly means to dismiss drug presence in most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation for legal admittance. Samples with a presumptively positive result during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at a significantly lower concentration from hair compared to other methodologies (ex. urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo a washing procedure before confirmation as necessary. The complete procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite frequently being termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Economy, PA, hair follicle testing triumphs over urine tests in terms of precision and reliability. Hair testing uncovers a wider range of substances and offers extended detection windows up to 90 days. This method ensures comprehensive results that are hard to manipulate, providing peace of mind and confidence in the results, free from the common drawbacks found in urine screenings.
Hair follicle testing, available in Economy, PA, furnishes employers with a lens into an individual's substance history over a much longer duration than other test types. With a detection window reaching up to 90 days, it effectively offers a panoramic view of an individual's substance use, equipping employers with detailed insights crucial for making informed decisions.
Located in Economy, PA, hair follicle tests present a robust defense against tampering. As a reliable diagnostic method, it significantly diminishes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that results remain accurate and unaltered. This tamper-resistant quality is essential for maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of drug testing outcomes.
With numerous testing centers in Economy, PA, and nationwide, finding a convenient location for hair follicle testing has never been easier. Our extensive network ensures a swift and accessible testing process, minimizing any inconvenience while providing fast service. This availability is optimal for businesses and individuals seeking hassle-free testing solutions.
In Economy, PA, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be both straightforward and confidential. From order to test, and eventually, results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease of use. This guarantees that clients can navigate the testing process smoothly, with confidence that their personal data is securely handled.
Economy, PA offers competitive pricing and expedited turnaround for hair follicle testing, presenting an attractive value proposition. Companies of all sizes can benefit from affordable assessments without sacrificing quality or speed, gaining rapid results and dependable service at a cost-effective rate.
In Economy, PA, hair follicle drug tests offer unrivaled speed and precision. Unlike other testing methods, these assessments swiftly detect substance use with remarkable accuracy. Hair samples capture traces of drug use comprehensively, delivering results that employers and professionals can trust. This method stands out due to not only its precision but also its rapid processing times.
Employers in Economy, PA, benefit from using hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method diminishes legal risks and upholds safety standards, granting employers reassurance and confidence that their workplace remains secure and in line with regulatory requirements.
