Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It provides an extensive track record of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the strands of hair as it grows. When samples are taken close to the scalp, they can reveal drug and alcohol use for as long as three months. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal amount needed for screening and confirmation. For EtG analysis, additional tests, and assessments beyond 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair only, while body hair includes all other kinds (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of analyzing a drug test result in a lab consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is entered into a lab’s system. This part involves checking that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and filling in any supplementary information needed that isn't available from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary step to check for drugs of abuse. This cost-efficient method is used to eliminate drug presence in most samples, but a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be considered valid in court. Any samples with a presumptive positive result during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the specimen for further processing during Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than in other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmation for any positives during screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positives undergo a washing process before confirmation as required. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard regulations.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," this test focuses on the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing is Superior in Scotland, PA
In a straightforward battle between hair and urine testing, hair follicle testing takes the spotlight in Scotland, PA. It offers higher detection rates, exposing substance use with superior reliability. While urine tests may catch recent use, the robustness of hair testing provides assurance of more comprehensive, long-term substance exposure.
Extended Detection Window Advantage in Scotland, PA
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional testing methods with its extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This allows employers in Scotland, PA to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, aiding in better-informed employment decisions and maintaining workplace integrity.
Reliable and Tamper-Resistant Testing in Scotland, PA
The risk of tampering is drastically minimized with hair follicle tests, ensuring the dependability of results. In Scotland, PA, this method protects against sample adulteration, offering credible findings and confidence in drug testing outcomes.
Accessibility Through Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in Scotland, PA
Accredited Drug Testing simplifies the process with a vast network of centers, providing hassle-free testing solutions locally in Scotland, PA, and nationwide. The convenience of easily accessible locations underscores our commitment to customer service and reliability.
Simple and Confidential Testing Process in Scotland, PA
Our testing procedure in Scotland, PA is designed to be straightforward and confidential from start to finish. Order, testing, and result retrieval are streamlined to maintain privacy and ease, addressing all concerns efficiently for peace of mind.
Affordable Pricing and Swift Turnaround in Scotland, PA
We offer competitive pricing with quick result turnaround in Scotland, PA, ensuring excellent value for businesses of various sizes. Our affordability coupled with prompt results provides peace of mind and cost-effectiveness in drug testing services.
Fast and Accurate Results in Scotland, PA
Hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its speed and precision, offering fast yet reliable outcomes. These tests stand out due to their high accuracy levels in identifying substance use, making them preferable for various needs in Scotland, PA, where quick and precise results are crucial for effective decision-making.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Scotland, PA
Employing hair follicle testing supports adherence to workplace drug policies, thus enhancing safety and reducing legal uncertainties. Employers in Scotland, PA benefit from assured compliance and improved workplace environments through consistent drug testing procedures.
