Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When hair is taken near the scalp, it can reveal a detection span of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is insufficient, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. Note that when "head hair" is mentioned, it pertains to scalp hair alone. "Body hair" encompasses all other types of hair (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the primary processing of a sample into the laboratory system. This phase incorporates verifying that the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is an economical means to exclude drug consumption in most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed for it to be valid in court. Presumptively positive samples from Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a Screening stage sample shows a presumptive positive, additional hair is gathered from the primary sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed following the regulations of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", this examination evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests in Orangeville, PA by providing a more comprehensive detection window and heightened accuracy. This method efficiently identifies prior drug use, preventing the possibility of tampering that can occur with urine samples.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in Orangeville, PA offers a significant advantage with its ability to detect substance use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This comprehensive monitoring aids employers in assessing long-term substance history with accuracy.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle testing in Orangeville, PA ensures dependable results with a method that resists tampering. The test guarantees integrity as it diminishes the risk of sample adulteration, providing peace of mind with consistent accuracy.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
With a variety of testing centers nationwide, including Orangeville, PA, our services offer convenient, hassle-free access for drug testing needs, ensuring quick and easy procedures without logistical hassles.
Simple, Confidential Process
We offer a straightforward and confidential approach in Orangeville, PA for hair follicle testing. The process ensures privacy from ordering the test to receiving results, catering to concerns over personal data security.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Orangeville, PA, our competitive pricing structure and expedited turnaround times offer remarkable value for businesses of all sizes, enabling swift access to reliable results.
Fast, Accurate and Reliable Results
In Orangeville, PA, hair follicle drug tests provide a swift and reliable analysis of substance misuse. This testing approach ensures precision in identifying drug use, offering reliable results indispensable for employers and individuals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Orangeville, PA can achieve compliance with stringent drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing, effectively reducing legal risks. This method offers safety, promoting a secure work environment.
