Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is considered an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a long-term trail of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the hair as it grows. A sample taken close to the scalp can reflect drug and alcohol use over a timespan of up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (equating to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, and others).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test is comprised of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial phase of entering a sample into the lab's framework. This stage includes ensuring the sample's seal and shipment integrity, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data that's not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Although it is a cost-efficient technique for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result in Screening necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
For presumptively positive samples after Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. In this step, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), which makes hair drug screening particularly challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result from screening is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed as required before confirmation. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized both under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the skin.
In Salunga, PA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests due to superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a more comprehensive insight into drug use, revealing patterns over weeks.
They offer a far longer detection window, making them ideal for evaluating ongoing substance use, further establishing their preference among professionals.
Hair follicle testing in Salunga, PA, offers a profound advantage with its extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days.
This analysis affords employers a detailed overview of an employee's substance use history, aiding in assessing long-term behavior and commitment to drug-free policies.
Salunga, PA's hair follicle testing minimizes the chances of sample tampering, ensuring reliable outcomes. Its methodology is robust against adulteration efforts, safeguarding the integrity of the results.
This trait offers confidence to those in need of undebatable substance use evidence.
Convenient testing is a hallmark in Salunga, PA, with nation-wide centers offering efficient access and coordination.
This network simplifies obtaining services, easing the burden on individuals and companies seeking reliable and hassle-free testing solutions.
In Salunga, PA, we ensure a simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing. Clients can expect straightforward scheduling, testing, and delivery of results, with privacy at the forefront.
This approach addresses confidentiality concerns and assures the subjects of their personal data protection.
With competitive pricing and fast processing, our hair follicle tests in Salunga, PA, cater to various business needs.
This affordable yet efficient service secures peace of mind for enterprises of different sizes, driving value and satisfaction.
Hair follicle drug tests offer precision and rapid results in Salunga, PA. They excel in accuracy when detecting substance use, ensuring reliable outcomes quickly.
The testing process is streamlined to provide fast verification, reinforcing its reputation for credibility among professionals seeking timely evidence of substance use.
Employers in Salunga, PA gain compliance and reassurance with hair follicle testing. This method supports drug-free policy implementation, lowering legal liabilities while promoting a healthier work environment.
It provides businesses with the peace of mind necessary to focus on other critical operational aspects.
