Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening has gained recognition as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When collected near to the scalp, hair can show up to about a 3-month detection window for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to mail.
A sample length of 1.5 inches from approximately 200 strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional components, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to ascertain the specimen's weight. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair pertain strictly to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The four fundamental procedures in the laboratory examination of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning stage entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This incorporates ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any supplementary data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might lack.
The Screening stage consists of an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to eliminate drug use on most samples, a positive screen must be verified for it to be permissible in legal settings. Samples presenting presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate follow-up confirmation.
Should a specimen indicate presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. In this step, drugs are retrieved from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is regarded as the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any preliminary positive Screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory methodology from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the actual examination analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Prospect Park, PA, hair follicle testing trumps traditional urine tests with its advanced detection accuracy and reliability. The significant benefits include longer detection windows and an observed collection process, minimizing tampering risks. Employers find hair tests invaluable for maintaining drug-free workplaces, offering a superior alternative to urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in Prospect Park, PA, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, providing employers a thorough examination of drug use history. This comprehensive view aids in evaluating an applicant's or employee’s substance history, ensuring a well-informed hiring decision and contributing to safer work environments.
One key advantage of hair follicle testing in Prospect Park, PA, is its tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the chances of sample adulteration. This method delivers reliable, undisputable results, making it a trusted choice for employers and legal bodies, ensuring integrity in testing processes.
The convenience of our nationwide and local testing centers in Prospect Park, PA, offers quick and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services. With easy access to multiple centers, the process of scheduling and completing drug tests is streamlined, catering to both individuals and corporate needs.
Our simple and confidential process in Prospect Park, PA, for ordering and undertaking hair follicle tests ensures maximum privacy and ease of use. Clients benefit from a straightforward approach, receiving results efficiently while maintaining confidentiality, addressing concerns related to privacy effortlessly.
Prospect Park, PA, offers competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times for hair follicle drug testing, providing exceptional value. This affordable and efficient service is designed to cater to companies of all sizes, assuring excellent value and prompt results, essential for maintaining rigorous workplace standards.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Prospect Park, PA, are paramount. These tests are celebrated for their high accuracy in detecting substance use, providing fast and reliable results. Employers and legal professionals favor hair follicle testing due to its comprehensive detection abilities, enabling quick and correct assessments of drug use.
In Prospect Park, PA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, providing employers peace of mind. This testing method aids in reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety by detecting substance use effectively and contributing to a healthier and more secure work environment.
