Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of its growing strands. When hair is obtained near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol usage over roughly a three-month period. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and transportation is simple.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, and panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advised. It is preferable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. By scalp hair, we mean specifically head hair, while body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial handling of a sample within the laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any additional data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. While Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples that test presumptively positive in the Screening phase need subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample appear positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are harvested from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening procedures.
Confirmation of any positive result from the screening phase utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as needed. The laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In North Washington, PA, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests due to its superior detection ability and reliability. While urine tests are useful, hair tests offer an expansive insight into substance use patterns.
The capability of hair tests to detect drug use over an extended period provides unmatched accuracy, while their authenticity is assured through stringent collection methods that prevent tampering.
Hair follicle testing in North Washington, PA, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, surpassing shorter testing periods of other methods. This extends insight into a subject’s drug use history, offering more substantial evidence for employers and authorities.
This prolonged window is invaluable for creating a thorough profile of past substance use, thereby assisting employers in making informed decisions about hiring or maintaining staff.
In North Washington, PA, hair follicle testing presents a tamper-resistant alternative, significantly minimizing the possibility of sample alteration. This ensures accurate representations of an individual's substance use.
Hair samples are collected in a controlled environment, enhancing the integrity of the test and delivering results that businesses and individuals can trust, free from doubts of adulteration.
With testing centers nationwide, including North Washington, PA, our services offer seamless access to hair follicle tests, making the process straightforward and convenient.
Such broad reach ensures that clients receive prompt and hassle-free service, underlining our commitment to providing accessible drug testing solutions across vast regions.
In North Washington, PA, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively from test ordering to results delivery.
Clients appreciate the straightforward approach, which maintains confidentiality and ease of use, ensuring a smooth experience that respects individual privacy every step of the way.
North Washington, PA, enjoys the benefits of affordable hair follicle testing, coupled with expedited result delivery. This competitive pricing and efficiency serve businesses of all sizes, offering undeniable value.
Fast turnaround times enhance the appeal, ensuring industries can access reliable testing without financial strain, maintaining their operational peace of mind efficiently.
Hair follicle testing in North Washington, PA, delivers precision and rapid results, highlighting its efficiency and accuracy in substance detection. The method's meticulous process ensures that even subtle traces of drug use are accurately captured, providing reliable data.
With hair follicle tests, turnaround times are impressively swift, streamlining the process for clients who require immediate insights. This promptness makes hair testing the top choice for both individuals and businesses seeking dependability.
Employers in North Washington, PA, benefit from hair follicle testing as it aids in compliance with drug-free workplace mandates, reducing legal risks and fostering safer work environments.
The peace of mind derived from reliable testing practices allows companies to uphold stringent drug use policies, supporting overall organizational integrity and safety.
