Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized for its effectiveness in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When samples are taken close to the scalp, they can reveal up to a tri-monthly detection timeline for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.
To obtain the optimal sample for analysis, a 1.5-inch length of around 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp is optimal, ensuring the collection of 100mg of hair. When conducting EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advisable to use a sample size of 150mg. It's ideal to verify the sample weight using a jeweler’s scale. In instances where scalp hair is unavailable, a proportional amount of body hair may be utilized. Note that head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other varieties (like facial or axillary hair).
Procedure Overview
The primary stages in the lab analysis of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage where a sample is incorporated into the lab’s system. This process involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning it an arbitrary Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any outstanding data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody record.
Screening involves a rapid preliminary assessment for drug abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for most specimens, a confirmed positive result is necessary before it's legally recognized. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening demand a subsequent confirmation.
When a sample exhibits a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are separated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting why hair drug tests are among the most intricate to conduct.
Confirming a positive screening finding is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Each presumptive positive specimen undergoes washing before the final confirmation process. This entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Challenges:
Note: Though often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing In Hasson Heights, PA, hair follicle testing is rapidly becoming the choice method for drug screening. The expansive detection window and difficulty of tampering make hair tests superior to urine. Hair tests offer a longer view of drug use history, providing reliable data for employers and authorities.
Comprehensive Substance History Hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window up to 90 days, capturing a substance use history that is significantly broader than other tests. This extensive range grants employers a more substantial understanding of an individual’s drug use habits, contributing to informed decision-making.
Trustworthy Testing in Hasson Heights, PA The hair follicle test's secure process minimizes the chance of sample tampering. With observed collections and robust protocols, it provides undeniable and reliable results. For those requiring integrity and accuracy, this test method is unparalleled.
Convenient Testing Centers Nationwide With testing centers across the nation and in Hasson Heights, PA, accessing hair follicle testing is straightforward and hassle-free. Our wide network guarantees convenient service whenever and wherever needed, making the process smooth and efficient for all involved.
Effortless and Confidential Process The process for hair testing is uncomplicated, with a strong emphasis on confidentiality. In Hasson Heights, PA, you can expect a seamless experience, from ordering to taking the test and receiving results, all while maintaining privacy and ease of use.
Competitive Pricing and Quick Results We offer hair follicle testing in Hasson Heights, PA, at competitive prices with rapid result times. Our service provides excellent value, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes seeking efficient and cost-effective drug testing solutions.
Precision and Speed in Hasson Heights, PA The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests stand out in today's fast-paced world. This testing method provides highly reliable results swiftly, ensuring you have the information you need in a timely manner. Detection of substance use is both accurate and efficient, giving peace of mind.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers Employing hair follicle testing helps adhere to workplace drug policies effectively, emphasizing compliance and security. In Hasson Heights, PA, safeguard your business by ensuring legal adherence, mitigating risks, and promoting a safer workplace environment.
