Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug usage. Hair provides an extended timeline of alcohol and drug intake by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the cultivated hair strand. When procured close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of roughly up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of around 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equal quantity of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four steps in the laboratory workflow for producing a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This comprises confirming that the sample was securely sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accession Number), and finalizing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to rule out drug usage for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for validity in legal proceedings. Any specimen that is presumptively positive during Screening necessitates a secondary verification.
Should a sample appear presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn out from hair at considerably lower concentrations than with other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and in compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often dubbed "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually scrutinizes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Penn State Erie (Behrend), PA
Hair follicle testing offers a distinct edge over traditional urine tests, featuring superior detection accuracy and reliability. With a longer detection window and resistance to tampering, hair tests provide a more comprehensive overview of an individual's drug use history, ensuring better decision-making for employers.
Extended Detection Window in Penn State Erie (Behrend), PA
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its ability to detect drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This extensive window offers employers a thorough perspective on an individual's past substance use, making it a valuable tool in evaluating potential hires or monitoring current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Penn State Erie (Behrend), PA
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the risk of sample adulteration, providing results that are reliable and beyond question. This testing method offers security and authenticity, ensuring that the results reflect true substance use without the threat of tampering.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Penn State Erie (Behrend), PA
With an extensive network of nationwide testing centers, accessing drug testing services is quick and hassle-free in Penn State Erie (Behrend), PA. Our locations are strategically positioned to ensure convenience, allowing individuals to fulfill testing needs efficiently without unnecessary travel.
Simple, Confidential Process in Penn State Erie (Behrend), PA
Our hair follicle testing procedure is straightforward and keeps confidentiality a priority. From ordering the test to receiving results, the process is designed to be user-friendly and private, ensuring that individual privacy is protected throughout the entire testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Penn State Erie (Behrend), PA
We offer competitive pricing structures and swift turnaround times, providing excellent value and assurance for businesses of all sizes. Our cost-effective solutions make it easy for companies to incorporate reliable drug testing into their organizational protocols without straining budgets.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Penn State Erie (Behrend), PA
Hair follicle drug testing delivers rapid and dependable results, with high accuracy in identifying substance use. Unlike urine tests, hair testing has a precise methodology that minimizes errors and offers swift, reliable insights into an individual's drug use background in Penn State Erie (Behrend), PA.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Penn State Erie (Behrend), PA
Implementing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities and enhancing safety. This testing method supports a healthier work environment, bringing peace of mind to company leaders and employees alike.
