Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a historical record of substance intake by embedding biomarkers in the hair shaft as it grows. Hair samples collected near the scalp can offer a detection period of up to 90 days for substances. The collection process is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A segment of hair, measuring 1.5 inches and containing roughly 200 strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil), provides around 100mg of hair, which is optimal for initial and confirmatory tests. For EtG, additional parameters, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advisable. We advocate measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, the equivalent weight of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair only. All other hair, like facial or axillary hair, is referred to as body hair.
Process Overview
The key procedures in processing a laboratory drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is registered into the lab’s database. It involves confirming that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and conducting any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial, rapid survey for substance misuse. While Screening is economical for ruling out drug use in most samples, legal validity requires a confirmed positive screen. Samples that preliminarily test positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
For samples with presumptive positives in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original collection and prepared for the Extraction stage. Here, substances are extracted from hair at much lower levels than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of any Screening positives is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and accreditation in compliance with ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the assessment targets the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Mausdale, PA, hair follicle tests excel over traditional urine testing methods. Their superior detection accuracy and reliability make them the preferred choice. Hair tests provide a broader window of detection, while urine tests may miss long-term substance use, showcasing hair testing's benefits for comprehensive screening.
The benefit of a hair follicle testing in Mausdale, PA is its extensive detection time of up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's past substance use, unlike urine testing, providing a broader view of their drug history. This extended window is crucial for making informed decisions about potential employees.
In Mausdale, PA, the resilience of hair follicle tests comes from their resistance to tampering. This method significantly diminishes the chance of adulteration, ensuring consistent and verifiable outcomes. As a tamper-resistant technique, it bolsters the integrity and trustworthiness of drug testing.
Accessing drug testing services in Mausdale, PA is simplified with our extensive network of nationwide testing locations. This nationwide reach guarantees quick and uncomplicated access, making it easy for individuals to undertake tests, reinforcing convenience across local and wider areas.
In Mausdale, PA, our hair follicle testing method is straightforward and private. The process—from placing an order to undertaking and receiving results—is designed with confidentiality in mind. This eases concerns around privacy and simplifies the user's experience, making it user-friendly.
For companies in Mausdale, PA, hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and swift results. Our pricing structure ensures excellent value, while the rapid turnaround times provide peace of mind, accommodating the needs of businesses, both large and small.
In Mausdale, PA, hair follicle drug tests ensure precision and rapid outcomes. The unparalleled accuracy of these tests in identifying substance use is unmatched, allowing quick and reliable results. Such efficiency makes them a top choice for organizations and individuals seeking dependable drug testing solutions.
Employers in Mausdale, PA can gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing. Adopting this approach ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigates legal concerns, and advances workplace safety. The method's reliability supports maintaining a compliant and secure working environment.
