Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term record for alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, these hair samples can reveal substance use within an approximately 3-month span. Hair is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing roughly 200 hair strands (approximate size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the standard for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the hair on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair; body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system, which involves verifying the sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substances. While Screening economically eliminates drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be substantiated for court use. Samples presumptively positive in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
For a presumptive positive outcome in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair definitions and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp
In Oval, PA, hair follicle tests prove superior to urine tests, offering unmatched detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing provides clearer, more trustworthy results, ensuring adherence to workplace drug policies with precision.
The advantage of a hair follicle test in Oval, PA lies in its extended detection span. Capable of revealing drug usage up to 90 days prior, it grants employers an extensive perspective on an individual's substance history, thus reinforcing informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Oval, PA effectively curtails sample tampering risks. This method provides indisputable testing results, greatly minimizing the chances of adulteration, ensuring employers receive trustworthy and accurate data every time.
Convenience is a hallmark of Accredited Drug Testing's offerings in Oval, PA. With nationwide and local testing centers, accessing services is swift and hassle-free, ensuring quick, efficient testing regardless of location demands.
In Oval, PA, the testing process remains straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, privacy concerns are addressed, ensuring ease of use and confidentiality throughout the testing experience.
In Oval, PA, Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing coupled with swift turnaround, offering excellent value. This affordability and speed cater to businesses of every size, ensuring quick and dependable drug testing solutions.
When it comes to detecting substance use, hair follicle tests in Oval, PA stand out for their precision and swiftness. This accurate testing method not only ensures reliable results but also delivers them swiftly, making it a go-to choice for those needing fast confirmation.
Employing hair follicle testing in Oval, PA ensures employer compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It mitigates legal exposure, supports safety, and offers peace of mind by clearly demonstrating commitment to a secure work environment.
