Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Testing hair for drug and alcohol use is now recognized as an effective means for detection. Hair captures a historical record of substance use by incorporating biomarkers into its fibers. When taken from near the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month window for detecting drugs and alcohol. The collection is straightforward, it's relatively challenging to tamper with, and it's easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample comprising about 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil's width) from near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or more than 10-panel tests, a 150mg sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advisable. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas "Body hair" includes all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of drug tests involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning concerns the initial processing of incoming samples into the lab’s system. It verifies that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data input if an electronic chain of custody system doesn't provide it.
Screening serves as a preliminary check for drug abuse. Though cost-effective for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positives from Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Samples with presumptive positives in Screening require additional hair extraction from the specimen for the next phase. Drugs are then extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair screening among the most complex methodologies.
Confirmation of positive results employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples are additionally cleansed before confirmation if needed. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually evaluate the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Advantages of Hair Follicle Testing over urine testing in New Oxford, PA, are unmistakable. Hair testing boasts superior detection accuracy, with a longer detection period and a process that is difficult to cheat, providing employers with a more reliable indicator of substance use.
Extended Detection Window in New Oxford, PA: Hair follicle testing offers insight over a longer timeframe, typically up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers with a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, far exceeding the limitations of urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Method in New Oxford, PA: Hair follicle tests are nearly impossible to manipulate, significantly reducing the risk of adulteration. This assures reliable and unquestionable results, making it a trustworthy choice for sensitive situations.
Convenient Testing Locations: Our extensive network of testing centers, including local facilities in New Oxford, PA, ensures easy access to services, making the process quick and hassle-free for all individuals needing tests.
Simple and Confidential: The process for ordering and conducting hair follicle tests in New Oxford, PA, is designed to be straightforward and confidential, safeguarding privacy while ensuring ease of access and use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: New Oxford, PA, benefits from competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, offering companies excellent value and the assurance of timely results.
Fast and Reliable Results in New Oxford, PA, make hair follicle drug tests a preferred option. They ensure high accuracy in detecting substance use quickly, catering to the urgent needs of employers and individuals seeking precise and trustworthy results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in New Oxford, PA: Utilizing hair follicle testing can ensure adherence to strict drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal challenges and fostering a safer work environment.
