Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective way to identify drug and alcohol use. Hair offers an extended record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken close to the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol use over a period of up to roughly three months. The collection process for hair is straightforward, it is relatively hard to tamper with, and it is easy to transport.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches near the scalp, comprising around 200 strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil), will yield 100mg, which is the perfect amount for both initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to gather 150mg of hair. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. When we mention head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other categories like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The key steps in the laboratory process of drug test analysis include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial handling of a sample in a lab’s system. This step ensures that the sample is correctly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entry not entered through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening encompasses a preliminary drug check. While this step is a cost-efficient method to negate drug presence in most samples, any positive screening outcome must be verified for legal admissibility. Any sample that tests positive initially in Screening does necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample returns a positive result during Screening, additional hair is taken from the primary sample and prepped for Extraction. Drugs are then extracted from the hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), illustrating why hair drug screening presents a challenge.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all potentially positive samples are cleansed. The whole lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is subjected to scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and certification per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the process examines the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Eldred, PA, the superiority of hair follicle testing over traditional urine methods is evident. Hair tests provide a much broader detection window, offering a more comprehensive and reliable method of screening past substance use. This makes hair testing a more effective choice for employers and judicial settings alike.
Hair follicle testing in Eldred, PA provides an extended detection window for drug use, seeing up to 90 days into an individual's substance history. Employers looking to understand an applicant or employee’s long-term habits can rely on this comprehensive approach to get an accurate view.
In Eldred, PA, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant method of detecting substance use. This testing process minimizes the risk of sample adulteration significantly, leading to results that are both reliable and clear, thus upholding the integrity of the testing methodology.
With numerous testing centers nationwide, including in Eldred, PA, the convenience of hair follicle testing is unmatched. Our local locations offer quick, easy, and hassle-free access to testing services, ensuring that all testing needs are met promptly and efficiently.
The hair follicle testing process in Eldred, PA is designed to be simple and confidential. From order placement to sample collection and results receipt, every step respects privacy and ease-of-use, thus addressing any concerns regarding user convenience and discretion.
In Eldred, PA, we provide hair follicle testing with affordable pricing and fast turnaround. Our competitive pricing structures offer great value for businesses of any size, providing peace of mind across the board with timely and efficient results.
Hair follicle drug testing in Eldred, PA, promises fast, accurate, and reliable results. The speed at which results are processed, paired with the precision of detecting substance use, offers a dependable solution for screening purposes. Employers gain confidence in decision-making due to the high certainty provided by these tests.
For employers in Eldred, PA, hair follicle testing provides compliance with workplace drug-free policies and ensures peace of mind by reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety. The effectiveness of this testing strategy supports business protocols and employee health standards.
