Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests have gained popularity as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. The process of obtaining hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands, akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil, near the scalp yields around 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for both screening and verification. For EtG, added tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The lab handling of drug test outcomes involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab's workflow. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not handled by electronic systems.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Though a cost-efficient approach to negate drug usage in most cases, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
A presumptive positive in Screening results in additional hair being extracted from the original sample for Extraction. In this stage, drug substances are isolated from hair at much finer concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples identified as presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation. The end-to-end lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, excluding the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Indian Lake, PA, hair follicle tests offer significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Superior detection accuracy and reliability are among the standout benefits. Hair tests provide a more comprehensive picture of a person’s substance use history, which is crucial for employers and legal entities. This makes hair testing a more effective method for ensuring compliance with drug-free policies.
Hair follicle testing in Indian Lake, PA, is renowned for its extended detection window, surpassing traditional methods by detecting drug use up to 90 days prior. This provides a thorough overview of a person's substance history, vital for employers who require a better understanding of their employees' or applicants' past behaviors, ensuring informed decisions.
In Indian Lake, PA, hair follicle tests are tamper-resistant, significantly diminishing the possibility of sample adulteration. This ensures that individuals cannot easily manipulate results, guaranteeing accurate and unquestionable outcomes. The integrity of hair testing makes it a trusted method for reliable drug detection.
With hair follicle testing centers conveniently located nationwide, including Indian Lake, PA, accessing reliable drug testing services has never been easier. These geographically distributed centers ensure quick and hassle-free testing, catering to the needs of employers and individuals alike without inconvenience.
The simple and confidential process of hair follicle testing in Indian Lake, PA, addresses privacy concerns effectively. This process, including ordering, sample collection, and receiving results, is designed for ease of use while ensuring that sensitive information remains protected throughout.
In Indian Lake, PA, hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing with a fast turnaround, delivering excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures alongside swift processing times provide peace of mind, ensuring organizations can efficiently implement drug testing programs without financial strain.
The speed and precision of hair follicle tests in Indian Lake, PA, make them a preferred choice. High accuracy in identifying substance use is one of the key advantages, providing reliable results swiftly. This ensures that employers and individuals receive timely and accurate assessments, making hair follicle testing the top choice for those looking for dependable drug screening solutions.
Employers in Indian Lake, PA, can achieve compliance and peace of mind using hair follicle testing. Ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies reduces legal risks and increases workplace safety. This testing method reinforces employers' efforts to maintain a safe and compliant environment.
