Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they develop. When gathered close to the scalp, hair offers up to about a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to alter, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When referring to head hair, we specify only the scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in a lab involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab’s system. This stage includes ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid evaluation for drug abuse signs. While Screening is a cost-effective method to dismiss drug usage for most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Upon obtaining a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleaned as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Marshallton, PA
In Marshallton, hair follicle testing offers superior accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. Its extended detection period and more challenging evasion increase reliability, providing a detailed drug use history. Hair tests are less susceptible to adulteration, enhancing trust and accuracy over urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Marshallton, PA
Hair follicle testing provides a detection window of up to 90 days, surpassing other testing methods in Marshallton. This extended period allows employers and authorities to gain a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use, facilitating better-informed decisions and promoting safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Marshallton, PA
Marshallton's hair follicle tests offer a robust defense against tampering. The process minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring consistent, reliable results every time. Trustworthy and secure, hair testing is the preferred method for those requiring indisputable evidence of substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Marshallton, PA
With testing centers across Marshallton and nationwide, getting tested is both quick and convenient. Our widespread locations ensure hassle-free access to essential drug testing services, accommodating your needs promptly and efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Marshallton, PA
In Marshallton, our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and discreet. Ordering, testing, and receiving results is seamless and confidential, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring a user-friendly experience for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Marshallton, PA
Marshallton offers competitive pricing and swift turnaround for hair follicle drug tests. Our service ensures excellent value, helping businesses manage costs effectively while benefiting from rapid, accurate test results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Marshallton, PA
Hair follicle drug tests in Marshallton are celebrated for their accuracy, offering rapid results. This testing method quickly identifies a range of substances with precision, making it a reliable choice for both employers and courts. Trust in our testing procedure ensures you receive accurate results that aid in making informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Marshallton, PA
Utilizing hair follicle testing assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Marshallton. This method reduces legal risks and fosters a safer work environment, providing peace of mind for employers committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace.
