Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended overview of drug and alcohol intake, capturing biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When sampled from near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use over a period of up to 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
Collecting a 1.5-inch hair sample made up of roughly 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, a total of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair can't be used, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. Scalp hair is what we refer to as head hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result comprises four pivotal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with the initial handling of a sample once it reaches a laboratory. This step ensures the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional required data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary examination aimed at detecting substances of abuse. It serves as an economical means to ascertain the absence of drug use in most samples. However, a positive result from this phase must be verified for legal validity. Samples that screen as potentially positive need further confirmation.
Should a sample show potential positive results during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is utilized for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other approaches (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive screen results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each sample that screens positive is washed before entering the confirmation phase. This comprehensive laboratory process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under the oversight of both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation in line with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the strand of hair, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Flying Hills, PA
Hair follicle tests provide superior detection compared to traditional urine tests, showcasing higher reliability and accuracy. The extended detection window and resistance to tampering ensure that hair testing offers a comprehensive assessment of an individual's substance history, making it the favored choice for many organizations.
Extended Detection Window in Flying Hills, PA
In Flying Hills, PA, hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection window of drug use history, spanning up to 90 days. This provides employers with a detailed understanding of an individual's long-term substance use, ensuring informed hiring and management decisions are made.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Flying Hills, PA
The hair follicle drug test method significantly curbs the chances of sample manipulation, ensuring trustworthy and indisputable results in Flying Hills, PA. This tamper-resistant quality makes it increasingly popular among employers seeking to maintain a drug-free environment.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Flying Hills, PA
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient access with numerous nationwide testing centers, including locations in Flying Hills, PA. These facilities provide swift and hassle-free testing services, meeting the demands of employers and individuals in diverse geographic areas.
Simple, Confidential Process in Flying Hills, PA
In Flying Hills, PA, the process for obtaining, undergoing, and receiving results from a hair follicle test is straightforward and discreet. This ensures individuals' privacy concerns are addressed, making the experience comfortable and efficient from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Flying Hills, PA
Flying Hills, PA enjoys competitive pricing and rapid turnaround for hair follicle tests. Offering exceptional value and expedited results, these services cater to businesses of all sizes seeking effective drug testing solutions without breaking the bank.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Flying Hills, PA
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and timely results in Flying Hills, PA. These tests ensure a high level of accuracy when detecting substance use, providing certainty for employers and individuals alike. Their swift processing times mean quicker decisions can be made based on dependable data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Flying Hills, PA
Employers in Flying Hills, PA can achieve compliance with stringent drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. The test reduces legal liabilities and enhances workplace safety, providing calm assurance that substance use is being effectively monitored.
