Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can provide up to nearly a 3-month detection window for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests covering more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When referencing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key stages involved in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not supported by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be court-admissible. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than with other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive screen is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing offers distinct benefits over traditional urine tests, particularly in Laporte, PA. A notable advantage is its ability to detect substance use over an extended period, unlike urine tests which detect recent use. The accuracy and reliability of hair testing provide a superior drug use profile, valuable for employers and professionals alike.
Laporte, PA, benefits greatly from hair follicle testing due to its 90-day detection window. This extended period allows employers to gain a complete understanding of an individual's substance use history. By assessing behavior over several months, hair testing serves as an invaluable tool for making informed employment decisions.
The strengths of hair follicle tests in Laporte, PA, lie in their resistance to tampering. By minimizing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests ensure that results are both reliable and indisputable. The observed collection process further guarantees unquestionable integrity, protecting the interests of all parties involved.
Offering convenient testing in Laporte, PA, Accredited Drug Testing has a nationwide presence, making it easy for individuals to access services without hassle. With numerous testing centers, individuals can easily find a location nearby, ensuring a smooth and trouble-free experience.
The process of hair follicle testing in Laporte, PA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From scheduling an appointment to receiving the results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease of use. This approach ensures that individuals can comfortably undergo testing, confident in the security of their data.
In Laporte, PA, the affordable pricing for hair follicle testing is complemented by fast turnaround times. This combination provides companies with excellent value, ensuring they receive precise results promptly. By offering competitive rates and efficient services, organizations of all sizes can benefit from these offerings.
The speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests in Laporte, PA, set them apart. Hair testing not only delivers results quickly but with high accuracy, ensuring clear and reliable detection of substances. For anyone seeking fast, dependable testing, hair follicle analysis emerges as a leading choice, leaving no room for error.
For employers in Laporte, PA, using hair follicle testing means improved compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks. By implementing rigorous testing protocols, businesses not only prioritize employee safety but also gain peace of mind in maintaining a trustworthy and safe working environment.
