Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and substance use by retaining biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing about 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding ten panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's beneficial to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers explicitly to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test consists of four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, appointing a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data record entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody process.
Screening entails a preliminary check for substance abuse. Though Screening is an economical method to rule out drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be verified to stand up in court. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening need a further confirmation step.
If a presumptive positive arises during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than in alternative methods (like urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methods to implement.
Confirmation of any positive result from screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo necessary washing prior to confirmation. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes rigorous review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine sampling in Saylorsburg, PA, the benefits are clear. Hair testing provides better detection accuracy and superior reliability.
In Saylorsburg, PA, hair follicle drug tests boast an extended detection window, offering insights into drug use over a prolonged period. Covering up to 90 days, this method helps employers gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance history, far beyond the short span of urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in Saylorsburg, PA, offers a robust defense against sample tampering. The collected samples are handled with strict protocols, drastically limiting adulteration attempts.
Reliable outcomes ensure confidence in test results, something that alternative methods struggle to guarantee.
With testing centers spread across the nation, including Saylorsburg, PA, accessing drug testing services is simple and hassle-free.
Convenient locations guarantee easy access, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of drug testing services for individuals and businesses alike.
Saylorsburg, PA, boasts a straightforward drug testing process that prioritizes confidentiality and ease. From ordering to taking tests and receiving results, every step is streamlined.
Privacy concerns are minimized, with solutions tailored to meet users' needs while ensuring their comfort and trust.
In Saylorsburg, PA, our competitive pricing structure combined with fast turnaround times makes hair follicle drug testing an attractive option for businesses.
Great value is achieved through affordability and efficiency, ensuring peace of mind and satisfaction for organizations of all sizes.
The hair follicle drug testing method in Saylorsburg, PA, is renowned for its fast and reliable results. Its precision makes it a preferred choice for detecting various substances accurately.
High accuracy is ensured, providing clear insights into substance use trends and patterns that might otherwise remain unnoticed.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Saylorsburg, PA, facilitates compliance with workplace drug policies. This method helps minimize legal liabilities and enhances overall safety.
