Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective method for identifying substance use involving drugs and alcohol. By embedding biomarkers within the growing strands, hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug consumption. When collected nearest to the scalp, hair can yield up to a 3-month window of detection for alcohol and other substances. Collection is straightforward, and hair is generally resistant to tampering, while also being easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands thick (akin to a #2 pencil), taken close to the scalp will provide around 100mg of hair which is the optimal sample size for both initial screening and confirmatory testing. For EtG, supplemental panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a minimum of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If hair from the scalp is not obtainable, equivalent body hair may be used. "Head hair" strictly refers to scalp hair, whereas "Body hair" encompasses other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of laboratory testing for drug detection encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the phase where initial sample processing occurs within the laboratory’s system. This step involves confirming the sample’s secure seal and proper shipping, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling supplemental data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary review for the presence of drugs. Although screening is an economical means of identifying drug use in most samples, any positive result from screening necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples deemed presumptively positive during screening must undergo additional confirmation.
Once a sample is deemed presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During this phase, extraction occurs at a significantly lower concentration in hair compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluids), which highlights why testing hair for drugs is a complex procedure.
Positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed as needed prior to confirmation. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and is accredited to the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing drug testing methods, hair follicle tests in Plumsteadville, PA, demonstrate superior detection accuracy against urine tests. The extended detection window and precision in results make hair follicle tests a clear advantage.
The benefits of hair testing:
In Plumsteadville, PA, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing provides insights into an individual’s drug consumption history over a longer timeframe. Capable of covering up to 90 days, these tests give employers a thorough overview.
This comprehensive view offered by hair testing is vital for employers who need detailed substance history checks for applicants or current employees. The ability to detect drugs over such an extended period is unmatched.
Create a tamper-resistant testing experience in Plumsteadville, PA, with hair follicle tests. By significantly reducing the risk of sample alteration, they deliver results that can be trusted and validated effectively.
The inherent design of hair follicle testing makes it tough to interfere with samples, ensuring authenticity. This testing method is thus ideal for environments needing high levels of integrity in test results.
With our convenient testing locations in Plumsteadville, PA, and nationwide, accessing drug testing services is a breeze. We offer quick and easy testing solutions without the hassle.
Our network spans extensively, allowing individuals to get tested wherever needed, making the entire process pain-free and seamless for everyone involved.
Experiencing a simple and confidential process in Plumsteadville, PA, for drug testing involves easy-to-order, take, and receive steps. This ensures privacy and minimizes any concerns users may have.
With discreet measures in place at every stage, hair follicle testing guarantees confidentiality, addressing any privacy issues effectively while being user-friendly.
Offering affordable pricing with rapid turnaround in Plumsteadville, PA, our hair follicle drug testing stands out. It provides excellent value and ensures peace of mind for businesses, whether big or small.
By focusing on competitive pricing and timelines, we strive to deliver unmatched value in the industry, ensuring dependable results quickly and inexpensively.
In Plumsteadville, PA, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are known for their precision and quick turnaround in detecting substance use, making them an effective choice for accurate drug screening.
The superior accuracy of hair follicle drug tests lies in their ability to accurately identify drug use, setting them apart from other testing methods. This reliability ensures that results are dependable and valid each time.
Employers in Plumsteadville, PA, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing through compliance with drug-free policies. This approach helps minimize legal liabilities while boosting workplace safety.
Adopting hair follicle tests means an employer can confidently set standards for a drug-free environment, assuring adherence and reducing the risks associated with drug use in the workplace.
