Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug biomarkers by embedding them within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp area, hair can reveal usage for up to roughly three months for various substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) situated closest to the scalp yields 100mg, the preferred sample for testing. For EtG, additional requests, and/or examinations surpassing 10 different panels, a collection of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent mass of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory step where a sample is integrated into the laboratory's system. This phase verifies that the sample has been properly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid review to detect drug abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-effective measure to eliminate drug usage for most samples, confirmation of a positive screen is essential for court validity. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity during the Screening step, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. This stage involves drug extraction from hair, where the concentration is notably lower compared with other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is facilitated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory journey from Accessioning to Confirmation conforms to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, as well as ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests", the assessment evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests in Saint Clairsville, PA. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy over a longer period, making them more reliable. This comprehensive method gives employers a clearer view of an individual’s substance use history compared to the more limited detection window of urine tests.
In Saint Clairsville, PA, hair follicle testing uncovers drug use over a lengthy detection window of up to 90 days. This long span gives employers an in-depth look into an applicant or employee's history of drug use, surpassing the short-term insights offered by traditional testing methods. It’s an essential tool for informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests in Saint Clairsville, PA, provide a tamper-resistant approach to drug testing. The process significantly curtails the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring that results remain genuine and trustworthy. This robustness makes it a preferred choice for those seeking dependable outcomes in substance use detection.
With convenient testing centers established nationwide, accessing hair follicle tests in Saint Clairsville, PA, is quick and hassle-free. This extensive network ensures that individuals can easily find a nearby location, facilitating smooth and efficient testing experiences without the inconvenience of lengthy travel.
In Saint Clairsville, PA, the process for hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to obtaining the results, every step prioritizes privacy and user-friendliness, addressing any concerns about confidentiality while ensuring a seamless testing experience for all involved.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Saint Clairsville, PA, provides excellent value for companies of all sizes. The competitive pricing structures are combined with quick results, making it a preferred option for those seeking cost-effective and reliable testing solutions.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests in Saint Clairsville, PA, is unmatched. Fast and accurate, these tests deliver reliable results expeditiously. The ability to detect a variety of substances with high accuracy ensures that users can trust the integrity of the results. Compared to other testing methods, this test’s efficacy is evident in its comprehensive detection capabilities.
Using hair follicle testing in Saint Clairsville, PA, assists in ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety. Employers can rest assured knowing their testing procedures are reliable and consistent, offering them peace of mind in maintaining a secure work environment.
