Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting substance and alcohol use. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the hair fibers as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer an approximately three-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, tampering with it is relatively challenging, and it's convenient to transport.
To obtain an ideal sample for analysis, a 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp should be collected, equaling 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a proportional amount of body hair may be utilized. References to head hair are exclusive to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test involves four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the system incorporates the incoming sample, checks proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any necessary data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial drug abuse check. This cost-efficient approach helps preclude drug use in most samples, but a positive screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples identified as potentially positive in Screening necessitate secondary verification.
For a sample labeled presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial collection for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drug elements are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening particularly challenging to conduct.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is scrutinized according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," this analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing holds a distinct advantage over traditional urine tests in Larimer, PA. The accuracy and reliability of hair testing are unmatched, providing a superior detection method. Unlike urine tests, which can be limited to a short window of detection, hair tests offer a comprehensive analysis over a more extended period.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Larimer, PA, is its extended detection window. This method allows for the observation of drug use over a period of up to 90 days. Such a long detection duration provides employers with a detailed view of an individual's substance use history.
Hair follicle tests in Larimer, PA, are known for their resistance to tampering. This testing method significantly diminishes the chances of sample adulteration, thus ensuring reliable and indisputable results. The integrity of the test results fosters trust and security in the outcomes.
The convenience of numerous testing locations nationwide, including Larimer, PA, ensures that individuals have quick and easy access to hair follicle testing. Our network of centers provides a hassle-free service, making the process of securing tests straightforward and efficient.
The process for hair follicle testing in Larimer, PA, is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, every step considers privacy and ease of use. This streamlined approach addresses concerns individuals might have about privacy while ensuring the entire process is user-friendly.
In Larimer, PA, hair follicle testing is not only fast but also cost-effective. We offer competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times, providing businesses with great value. This affordability allows companies of all sizes to benefit from high-quality testing services without financial strain.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them an ideal choice for testing in Larimer, PA. With their ability to accurately detect substance use, these tests provide unparalleled reliability. The results are both fast and precise, ensuring that individuals and employers can trust the results they receive.
For employers in Larimer, PA, hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind. These tests help maintain adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks. By enhancing workplace safety, employers can focus on productivity and core operations without the worry of substance misuse among staff.
