Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is widely recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair's structure preserves biomarkers within its growing strands, offering an extended history of substance intake. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use within an approximately 3-month timeframe for alcohol and other substances. The collection of hair is straightforward, generally hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment made up of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG extensions, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. The specimen should be measured using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result comprises four pivotal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a specimen into the laboratory's system. This step involves confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the specimen, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any necessary data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary check for drug presence. Although Screening is an affordable method to eliminate drug usage in most cases, any positive screening needs to be validated for legal purposes. Specimens identified as presumptively positive during Screening demand further confirmation.
Should a specimen appear presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial collection and set up for Extraction. This stage isolates drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis one of the most intricate methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screening is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive specimens are cleansed as necessary. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and certified according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Constraints:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Middleburg, PA, far surpasses traditional urine tests. Advantages include a much longer detection window and higher reliability.
These tests give a clearer picture and are difficult to manipulate, ensuring better results than urine tests.
Employers in Middleburg, PA, appreciate hair follicle testing for its extended detection period. Spanning up to 90 days, this method provides a fuller view of an individual's drug history, crucial for informed decisions.
The integrity of hair follicle testing in Middleburg, PA, is highlighted by its tamper-resistant nature. Reducing risks of sample tampering means obtaining definitive, trustworthy results is attainable.
Accessibility is key with testing locations nationwide and in Middleburg, PA. Convenient sites ensure speedy and hassle-free testing, meeting various needs effectively.
Testing is made simple and undemanding for all.
In Middleburg, PA, our testing process is both simple and confidential. Privacy is respected throughout ordering, taking the test, and receiving results.
This method provides ease for everyone involved.
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround in Middleburg, PA promise great value. Affordability doesn't compromise on service quality, offering peace of mind to companies of all sizes.
In Middleburg, PA, hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched precision and swift results. Accuracy is crucial, and hair tests are leading in detecting substance traces effectively.
With a streamlined process, these tests ensure fast, reliable results each and every time.
For Middleburg, PA employers, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, offering peace of mind. Reduced legal risks and improved safety standards are direct benefits.
