Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Samples collected near the scalp can reveal drug and alcohol use over a span of up to around 3 months. Collecting hair samples is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch segment encompassing about 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG screening, supplementary tests, or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advisable. A jeweler’s scale is recommended to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair. In contrast, "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily involves four stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage of integrating a sample into a laboratory's system. This process includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening comprises a preliminary rapid assessment for drug presence. This cost-efficient method helps rule out drug use in most samples; however, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive screens require a secondary confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are extracted at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to the CAP Hair designation and meets ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle itself beneath the scalp.
In Light Street, PA, hair follicle testing is superior to traditional urine tests thanks to its enhanced accuracy and dependability. Compared to urine tests, hair tests offer a more extensive detection history, allowing for a detailed view of an individual's substance habits. The unmatched reliability and the robustness of hair testing provide confidence in its results, reducing chances of inaccurate outcomes.
Extended detection windows are a defining attribute of hair follicle tests in Light Street, PA. Employers gain a comprehensive insight into drug use over a timeframe extending up to 90 days, making it an invaluable tool for assessing long-term substance habits. Such insights offer a thorough portrayal of an applicant or employee's historical drug use, essential for informed judgments.
Hair follicle tests in Light Street, PA play a crucial role in preventing sample tampering. The structured collection process ensures the reliability of the sample, offering results that are both authentic and trustworthy. This integrity diminishes the probability of adulteration, ensuring a testing approach that is as secure as it is accurate.
With nationwide centers including locations in Light Street, PA, our testing services are conveniently accessible. Accredited Drug Testing ensures a user-friendly experience by offering numerous sites for quick and seamless testing, making the process hassle-free for both individuals and organizations seeking efficient testing solutions.
In Light Street, PA, our testing process remains simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, we prioritize user experience and privacy. Our streamlined approach not only respects individual concerns about privacy but also ensures that the process is easeful, reinforcing our commitment to a client-friendly experience.
Accredited Drug Testing presents affordable pricing in Light Street, PA, alongside quick turnaround for test results. Our competitive pricing structure ensures businesses of all sizes receive valuable service without compromise. Timely results provide companies with the assurance necessary to make informed decisions efficiently.
Precision and speed are hallmark features of hair follicle testing in Light Street, PA. This testing method is renowned for its ability to deliver highly accurate results when assessing substance use. The efficiency in obtaining reliable results makes it a preferred option for those seeking the truth behind substance use, ensuring peace of mind and informed decision-making.
For employers in Light Street, PA, hair follicle testing offers a pathway to policy compliance and heightened workplace safety. Implementing these tests ensures that organizations adhere to drug-free regulations, significantly reducing legal entanglements while fostering a secure working environment. This peace of mind bolsters the trust between employers and employees.
