Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust mechanism for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a detailed historical account of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. If taken near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 90-day detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for testing and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be missing, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in processing a laboratory drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the primary step of incorporating a sample into the lab's system. This covers verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary swift evaluation for substance misuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient solution to identify non-usage in most samples, any positive result needs verification for legal acceptability. Samples suspected to be positive during Screening require additional confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a preliminary positive in the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis the most complex technique to execute.
Verification of any Screening positive is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected to be positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair credential and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination itself evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Muse, PA is evident through superior detection and reliability.
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair tests offer a long detection window, from casual to chronic use, making them crucial in uncovering a more comprehensive drug history.
Extended Detection Window of hair follicle testing in Muse, PA covers up to 90 days of drug use.
Employers gain a detailed overview of an applicant or employee's drug history, crucial for creating safe work environments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Muse, PA highlights hair follicle testing's reliability.
This method significantly minimizes risks of sample adulteration, securing results that are both reliable and unquestionable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and services in Muse, PA offer hassle-free access.
Enjoy quick and easy access to testing services nationwide, ensuring a smooth testing experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Muse, PA assures ease and privacy.
From ordering to taking the tests and receiving results, every step respects confidentiality while simplifying the user experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Muse, PA highlight competitive offerings.
With rapid turnaround and budget-friendly pricing, Accredited Drug Testing provides exceptional value, ensuring satisfaction across company sizes.
Precision and Speed of Hair Follicle Testing in Muse, PA stand out. With high accuracy, these tests swiftly detect substance use, providing reliable information for individuals and organizations.
Hair follicle tests offer not only fast results but ensure each test's reliability and precision, contributing to informed decision-making regarding substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for employers in Muse, PA comes with hair follicle testing.
Ensuring adherence to drug-free policies not only reduces legal risks but also boosts workplace safety.