Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent mechanism for recognizing drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands archive long-term alcohol and drug history by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer up to an approximately 3-month window of drug and alcohol detection. Collection of hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to dispatch.
A 1.5-inch snippet containing around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, regarded as the optimal sample for screening and validation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is advisable. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a proportional amount of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The quartet of primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test outcome includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample first gets processed into a laboratory setting. This step involves confirming the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of misuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient manner to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, positive screenings need confirmation to stand in legal scenarios. Samples identified as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If found presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. This stage involves retrieving drugs from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening stands as a challenging method to administer.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptively positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation as required. Each phase from Accessioning to Confirmation gets reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards of accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used colloquially, but the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle residing under the scalp.
In Mill Creek, PA, hair follicle testing is proving its superiority over traditional urine tests. Key advantages include its ability to detect a broader range of substances over a longer time. Not only does it offer a wider detection window, but it also holds an unparalleled accuracy that can uncover substance use missed by urine tests.
With an extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Mill Creek, PA offers comprehensive insights into substance use history. This method captures drug use over up to 90 days, allowing businesses to attain a complete understanding of an individual's past drug use.
Hair follicle tests in Mill Creek, PA significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering. The robust collection method ensures authenticity and reliability, minimizing chances of adulteration.
Accessing drug testing services is convenient in Mill Creek, PA, thanks to numerous nationwide and local centers. This ensures easy, hassle-free access to hair follicle testing whenever needed.
The process of hair follicle testing in Mill Creek, PA is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed for privacy and ease.
Hair follicle tests in Mill Creek, PA offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. This cost-effective solution provides substantial value for businesses of all sizes.
In Mill Creek, PA, the speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests set them apart. These tests are designed to precisely detect substances, ensuring quick and dependable results. Efficiency and precision make hair tests a top choice for those needing fast and thorough results.
Ensuring workplace compliance with drug-free policies is crucial in Mill Creek, PA. Hair follicle testing supports employers in maintaining compliance, reducing legal risks, and enhancing workplace safety.
