Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Seen as a formidable asset in identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing offers a prolonged narrative of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal up to roughly a 3-month usage timeline for alcohol and other substances. The process of hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample from the scalp measuring 1.5 inches and comprising approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) yields about 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For testing extensions such as EtG and panels further than 10, a quantity of 150mg is suggested. We recommend using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent portion of body hair may be used. The term "head hair" strictly pertains to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (e.g., facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The core steps in the lab processing of drug test outcomes include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the primary integration of a sample into a lab's system. This stage checks if the sample was adequately sealed and dispatched, ascribes a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any outstanding data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a swift preliminary check for drug presence. Although Screening offers an economical means to disregard drug use in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for court acceptance. Samples indicating a presumptive positive during Screening must undergo a follow-up confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations significantly lower than in other methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of every positive screening results is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often cited as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Choosing hair follicle testing over urine testing in Hamorton, PA, offers notable advantages. Superior detection accuracy and reliability of hair testing make it a preferred choice for many. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis covers a broader spectrum, giving a more complete substance use history.
Hair follicle testing in Hamorton, PA, provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days, surpassing other testing methods. This capability allows employers to gain a comprehensive overview of an individual's past substance habits, aiding in more informed decision-making.
The strength of hair follicle tests in Hamorton, PA, lies in their tamper-resistant nature. This testing method significantly reduces sample adulteration risks, delivering results that are both credible and indisputable, ensuring utmost data integrity.
With convenient nationwide centers, including local facilities in Hamorton, PA, accessing hair follicle testing services is hassle-free. This expansive network allows customers to enjoy a seamless and efficient testing experience, no matter where they are located.
The hair follicle testing process in Hamorton, PA, is geared towards simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering the test to receiving the results, users can be assured of a private and user-friendly experience, addressing all concerns about ease and privacy.
In Hamorton, PA, we offer hair follicle testing with affordable pricing and a fast turnaround. These factors ensure excellent value, making professional-grade testing accessible to companies of all sizes, without sacrificing speed or quality.
In Hamorton, PA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their swiftness and precision. They provide fast, accurate, and reliable results that outshine traditional methods. By utilizing advanced techniques, these tests efficiently detect substance use, ensuring unidentified drug consumption is unearthed immediately.
Hair follicle testing in Hamorton, PA, supports employer goals for compliance and peace of mind, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. Its use minimizes legal risks and bolsters a culture of safety and accountability within the organization.
