Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a valuable instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal usage of alcohol and other drugs for as long as approximately three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising around 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or panels beyond 10, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be gathered. By head hair, we mean solely scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other varieties (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step where a sample is initially processed into the laboratory’s database. This part includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any supplementary data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although it offers a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug usage for most samples, a positive result in Screening necessitates confirmation to be legally defensible. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening need a secondary verification.
In cases where the Screening phase renders a sample presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is notably challenging.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples assumed to be positive are cleansed ahead of confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis itself examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing mainly through its extended detection timeline, which provides a more thorough account of an individual's substance use. In Markle, PA, the superior reliability and accuracy of hair testing mean that it captures a broader picture of an individual's drug consumption, making it invaluable for contexts where detailed drug history is crucial.
With the ability to trace drug use up to 90 days, hair follicle tests offer a detailed snapshot of an individual’s drug history in Markle, PA. Employers gain valuable insight into the long-term substance habits of their employees or applicants. This extended window helps in ensuring that hiring decisions are based on a fuller understanding of an individual's substance use patterns.
A crucial advantage of hair follicle testing in Markle, PA, is its resistance to tampering. The testing method significantly reduces the likelihood of adulteration, providing results that stakeholders can trust. This flawlessness in conducting tests builds confidence among employers and authorities relying on drug screening data for their decision-making processes.
Offering convenience through nationwide testing centers, including those in Markle, PA, Accredited Drug Testing ensures an effortless access to testing services. Appointments can be scheduled swiftly without hassle, making drug testing a streamlined experience for both individuals and organizations across numerous local and nationwide facilities.
In Markle, PA, the hair follicle testing process is not only simple but also confidential. From placing an order to receiving the results, each step is designed to prioritize privacy and convenience, reassuring individuals concerned about personal data security and the overall ease of the testing process.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Markle, PA. These factors contribute to exceptional value, ensuring that businesses of varying sizes can access reliable drug testing services without straining their budgets, while also benefiting from prompt, high-quality results.
The hair follicle drug test offers both speed and precision, making it an ideal choice in Markle, PA. Its capability to provide accurate substance use results ensures trustworthy data for individuals and organizations. The rapid detection process means that results are delivered swiftly, without compromising on reliability, ensuring that decision makers have the information they need at their fingertips.
Implementing hair follicle testing in workplaces across Markle, PA, assists in ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal liabilities and promoting a safer working environment, employers can focus on productivity knowing they are upholding high standards of workplace conduct.
