Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent means for identifying drug and alcohol use. It offers a prolonged history of substance consumption by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use over a detection window of up to roughly three months. It is easy to acquire, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch section comprising approximately 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the standard sample size for analysis and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Measurement on a jeweler’s scale is recommended. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equal portion of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation are the core phases in the laboratory handling of a drug test result.
Accessioning entails the introductory processing of a sample into the laboratory's system. It confirms that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive result must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be deemed presumptively positive in the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at a much less concentrated level than in alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation for a positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positives are cleansed as necessary before confirmation. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test itself evaluates the hair strand, not the hair follicle below the scalp
Hair follicle testing in New Buffalo, PA, clearly surpasses traditional urine tests in several ways. The superior detection accuracy of hair tests offers a broad window into an individual's drug use history. Unlike urine tests, which may miss recent use, hair testing provides unparalleled reliability, ensuring that results are comprehensive and dependable for decision-making processes.
Hair follicle testing in New Buffalo, PA, significantly enhances the discovery of drug use with an extended detection timeframe. This method tracks substance use up to 90 days, offering employers a detailed insight into an individual's drug habits. By assessing a broader timeframe, hair testing provides a more complete picture of a person’s substance history, supporting informed policy enforcement.
In New Buffalo, PA, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant approach to drug testing. This method minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that results remain consistent and trustworthy. By overcoming the challenges of manipulation faced in other testing methods, hair testing provides a definitive understanding of substance use without questions of validity.
Access to testing services in New Buffalo, PA, is made simple with our extensive network of nationwide centers. The convenience of having testing facilities in close proximity ensures that individuals and businesses experience quick, seamless access to drug testing services. This accessibility streamlines the process, making testing an easy and hassle-free endeavor.
The hair follicle testing process in New Buffalo, PA, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test, and receiving results, every step is geared toward maintaining privacy and ease of use. This transparent process alleviates concerns associated with testing, ensuring a trusted and discreet experience for all involved.
New Buffalo, PA, benefits from our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in drug testing services. Companies of all sizes receive excellent value, balancing affordability with efficiency. The fast delivery of results offers peace of mind, while the cost-effective nature of the service makes it an attractive option for those requiring reliable testing solutions.
In New Buffalo, PA, precision and efficiency are key advantages of hair follicle drug exams. By focusing on accuracy in detection, these tests are incredibly effective for pinpointing substance use. Their rapid results mean that individuals and businesses receive necessary information without delay, making them a preferred choice for those seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
Incorporating hair follicle testing ensures New Buffalo, PA, employers uphold drug-free workplace policies effectively. This method aids in maintaining compliance, reducing legal liabilities, and enhancing workplace safety. Companies benefit from the peace of mind that accompanies a reliable testing regime, fostering a secure environment for all employees while mitigating potential risks.
