Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair, hair offers an extended record of substance use. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of approximately three months for alcohol and other substances. It is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to alter, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing roughly 200 strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG or tests surpassing ten panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing. When scalp hair is not present, an equivalent amount of body hair is permissible. "Head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair categories (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The four core procedures in laboratory analysis of drug tests encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This process involves confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents a preliminary examination for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a low-cost approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires further confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
For samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most intricate methodologies to execute.
Validation of any positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples exhibiting presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Liberty, PA
When comparing hair to urine testing, hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. In Liberty, PA, those seeking comprehensive results favor hair testing for its ability to identify long-term substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Liberty, PA
Hair follicle testing provides an impressive detection window of up to 90 days, outshining traditional methods. Employers in Liberty, PA gain a complete view of an individual’s substance use history, supporting informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Liberty, PA
With hair follicle tests, the risk of sample adulteration is minimized. This method ensures reliable results, offering confidence to employers and judicial systems in Liberty, PA who rely on tamper-resistant testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Liberty, PA
Our nationwide network, including Liberty, PA, ensures quick and hassle-free testing services are always available, enhancing convenience and accessibility for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Liberty, PA
The process is straightforward and discreet, ensuring privacy at every step. In Liberty, PA, ordering, taking, and receiving test results is seamless, offering peace of mind.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Liberty, PA
The competitive pricing and quick turnaround in Liberty, PA offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind without compromising quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Liberty, PA
Hair follicle drug testing excels with precision and timeliness. Liberty, PA residents can depend on this method for its high accuracy in detecting substance use. Efficiency, accuracy, and timely results make it a leading choice for drug testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Liberty, PA
Employing hair follicle testing helps Liberty, PA businesses align with drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal risks, enhances safety, and provides peace of mind.
