Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as a significant tool for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of a growing hair strand. If collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional substances, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. In the case of unavailable scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, it refers only to scalp hair, while body hair pertains to all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of drug test results comprises four essential phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the primary input of a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures that the sample is sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for court admissibility. Presumptive positives in Screening demand further confirmation.
When a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," this test examines the hair strand rather than the scalp's hair follicle.
While traditional urine tests have been standard, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages now preferred in Marion Center, PA. Superior detection accuracy and a longer testing window make hair tests a more reliable option compared to urine tests.
In the realm of drug testing, extended detection is a valuable benefit of hair follicle testing in Marion Center, PA. With capabilities reaching up to 90 days, employers can glean a broader insight into substance use history, promoting informed and comprehensive evaluations.
Hair follicle tests in Marion Center, PA, offer a tamper-resistant method, significantly decreasing the risk of sample adulteration. This pairing of reliability and unquestioned integrity in results supports unwavering trust in testing outcomes.
The convenience of our testing services is manifested through widespread locations, including local sites in Marion Center, PA. Our nationwide network ensures a seamless and hassle-free approach to accessing drug testing whenever required.
The process of hair follicle testing in Marion Center, PA, is designed to be simple and confidential. This ensures ease of ordering, administering tests, and receiving results, respecting privacy concerns and user experience.
Marion Center, PA benefits from hair follicle testing which offers affordable pricing models coupled with fast turnaround times. This provides exceptional value and is adaptable to businesses of varying sizes seeking cost-effective solutions.
Hair follicle testing delivers fast, accurate, and reliable results in Marion Center, PA. These tests excel in precision, offering high accuracy in detecting substances. Prompt results allow for timely decisions concerning substance use, facilitating efficient testing cycles.
Ensuring compliance and peace of mind arising from effective workplace policies is a priority in Marion Center, PA. Hair follicle testing reassures stakeholders by aiding in the adherence to drug-free workplace environments, fostering legal assurance and safety augmentation.
