Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests have emerged as an effective method in detecting substance use. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. If collected near the scalp, it can reveal information for about a 3-month period for both alcohol and other substances. Collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional options, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it pertains strictly to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, armpits, etc.).
Procedure Summary
The key stages in the lab procedure of drug test processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample’s seal and shipment integrity, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining information not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assay for detecting drugs of potential abuse. While Screening is an economical approach for ruling out drug consumption in many samples, any positive initial test results must be verified before they are permissible in legal settings. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen for further Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging to execute.
Positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Any samples showing presumptive positives are cleaned before Confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Downsides:
Note: Frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Phoenixville, PA, hair follicle testing often surpasses traditional urine tests. The advantages include superior detection accuracy and dependability, providing a clearer assessment of substance use history.
In Phoenixville, PA, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection range, spanning up to 90 days. This gives employers a comprehensive insight into an applicant or employee's drug use over an extended period.
Hair follicle tests in Phoenixville, PA, provide a tamper-resistant method for substance testing. These tests significantly minimize the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring unquestionable results.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including those in Phoenixville, PA, accessing hair follicle testing is quick and straightforward, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
The hair follicle testing process in Phoenixville, PA, is simple and confidential. The order, testing, and results stages are secure and easy to navigate, assuring privacy and convenience.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround in Phoenixville, PA, our hair follicle tests provide excellent value for companies of all sizes.
Hair follicle drug tests in Phoenixville, PA, are renowned for offering fast and precise results. These tests stand out as the most reliable method for accurately identifying substance use.
Employers in Phoenixville, PA, achieve compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. It ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal challenges and promoting a safer work environment.
