Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now considered a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands encapsulate long-term drug and alcohol markers within their fibers, allowing a historical timeline of usage to be determined. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can reveal usage over a timeframe of up to three months. Collection of hair is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and the samples are easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch section comprising around 200 hair strands (comparable in width to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for test screening and confirmation. For extended panels such as EtG, extra tests, or panels above 10, a 150mg sample is preferred. Using a jeweler's scale is advised for the precise measurement. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. When discussing head hair, we are specifically indicating scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug test evaluation encompasses four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage involving sample integration into the lab system. This step verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial evaluation for drugs of concern. Although it is a cost-efficient method to suggest non-drug usage in most cases, positive screens must be verified for legal admissibility. Any samples yielding presumptive positives in the Screening phase necessitate follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample demonstrate a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are harvested from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug testing methodology.
Confirmation of positive screens is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process as required. The entire pipeline from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes examination under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often referred to as "hair follicle tests", these analyses examine the hair strands rather than the scalp-embedded hair follicles.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Flemington, PA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle evaluations offer superior accuracy and reliability. Their longer detection window provides a more comprehensive view of drug patterns.
Extended Detection Window in Flemington, PA
Hair follicle testing shines with its extensive detection span, charting substance use up to 90 days. Employers in Flemington benefit from a thorough understanding of an individual's drug use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Flemington, PA
The reliability of hair follicle evaluations is unmatched, drastically reducing the risk of tampering and providing results of unquestionable integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Flemington, PA
Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers, including facilities in Flemington, guarantees hassle-free and accessible drug testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Flemington, PA
The hair follicle testing procedure in Flemington emphasizes simplicity and confidentiality, addressing concerns related to privacy while ensuring a straightforward process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Flemington, PA
Our competitive pricing and swift result delivery offer excellent value, reassuring businesses of all sizes in Flemington, PA about their investment.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Flemington, PA
Hair follicle tests provide rapid and precise substance detection in Flemington, PA. Their stunning accuracy ensures that substance use is reliably identified, giving a clear view of historical use patterns.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Flemington, PA
Utilizing hair follicle tests assists employers in maintaining drug-free workplaces. This not only ensures compliance with policies but also minimizes legal risks and enhances safety.
