Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a significant means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended account of alcohol and other drugs by securing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When cut close to the scalp, hair can present up to an estimated 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to capture, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
An approximate 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for examination and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is missing, an equal volume of body hair may be taken. In the context of head hair, we are specifically addressing scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test follows four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s framework. This encompasses verifying if the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any further data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive screening requires confirmation to hold in legal proceedings. Samples that show presumptive positives in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug screening among the most challenging techniques to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result during screening occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and endorsement to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While typically called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outperforms Urine Testing: Unlike standard urine tests, hair follicle testing in Ridley Park, PA, offers extensive advantages. The test's precision in detecting long-term drug use sets it apart, ensuring higher reliability for employers.
Extended Detection Window in Ridley Park, PA: One of the primary benefits of hair follicle testing is its ability to offer an extensive detection window. For up to 90 days, hair tests provide a thorough view of an individual's substance use, assisting employers in getting a more accurate profile.
Ensuring Tamper-Resistance: Hair follicle tests minimize the likelihood of tampering, providing employers in Ridley Park, PA, with secure and trustworthy results. This testing method's difficulty to manipulate ensures integrity and validity.
Convenience with Nationwide and Local Locations: Accessing testing services is convenient with Accredited Drug Testing's vast network of locations. Whether needing quick service in Ridley Park, PA, or another city, our centers offer hassle-free testing solutions nationwide.
Effortless and Confidential Process: In Ridley Park, PA, taking a hair follicle test is stress-free and private. The process from ordering to results is simple, ensuring privacy is maintained throughout.
Competitive Pricing and Prompt Results: Accredited Drug Testing offers hair follicle services at affordable rates with fast processing. In Ridley Park, PA, businesses of all sizes benefit from cost-effective pricing and dependable turnaround times.
Speed and Precision in Ridley Park, PA: Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their rapid delivery of results paired with high accuracy. Hair analysis quickly identifies substance use, making it a top choice for prompt and precise screening.
Compliance and Confidence for Employers: Utilizing hair follicle tests aids Ridley Park employers in abiding by drug-free workplace policies. By promoting a safe and compliant work environment, companies reduce legal liabilities and ensure employee safety.
