Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a long-term record of alcohol and drug exposure by encasing biomarkers within the strands as they develop. When collected near the scalp, it can offer up to a roughly 3-month period for identifying alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of about 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the perfect sample size for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG add-ons or beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It's recommended to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If head hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean only scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab handling of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the primary input of a sample into the lab’s system. This step encompasses confirming that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling out any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a quick preliminary evaluation for drug misuse. While it’s an economical method to exclude drug usage in most cases, a positive screening must be verified to be valid in judicial situations. Every sample that tests positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
When a sample tests positive in the Screening process, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), posing a challenge in performing hair drug screening.
Any positive result in Screening undergoes Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples with presumable positives are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being occasionally termed "hair follicle tests", the examination actually targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing proudly outshines urine tests in Masontown, PA, offering superior detection capabilities. These tests provide significant accuracy and extended reliability, capturing substance use history extensively compared to conventional urine tests. Hair analysis unveils a much broader period of drug interaction, making it indispensable for thorough evaluations.
In Masontown, PA, hair follicle testing offers an impressive detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This extended range furnishes employers with a detailed understanding of an individual’s substance interaction history, going beyond what traditional urine tests can offer. Such insight is crucial for sound decision-making in hiring and employment.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests stands out in Masontown, PA, providing a secure solution to sample integrity concerns. The method of collection and analysis substantially curtails the risk of adulteration, assuring stakeholders of their uncompromising reliability and the authenticity of their results.
Our network of testing locations in Masontown, PA, and nationwide ensures effortless access to drug testing services. Enjoying the convenience of widespread availability means minimal travel and expedited service, addressing the need for quick and efficient testing that doesn’t compromise on quality and accessibility.
The process of hair follicle testing in Masontown, PA, is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering the test to obtaining results, each step prioritizes privacy and ease of use, ensuring a hassle-free experience that safeguards individual privacy and confidentiality at every stage.
Hair follicle testing in Masontown, PA, boasts competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, ensuring excellent value for businesses of all sizes. The cost-effectiveness combined with speedy results delivers reassurance and confidence, catering to your company’s needs without compromising financial efficiency.
In Masontown, PA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and unrivaled accuracy. Their cutting-edge capability ensures comprehensive results, drawing a clear picture of recent and past substance use. Ideal for fast-paced environments, these tests offer reliable detection without the waiting times traditionally associated with other methods.
Employers in Masontown, PA, gain remarkable peace of mind using hair follicle testing to certify compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Implementing this method mitigates potential legal consequences and promotes a secure work environment, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and reducing inherent business risks.