Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a prolonged record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing strand. When sampled near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to collect, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
An ideal screening and confirmation require a 1.5-inch section with about 200 strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, providing 100mg of hair. For EtG, enhancements, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Use a jeweler’s scale to accurately weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a matching amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory method for analyzing a drug test result comprises four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a lab's workflow. This stage ensures the sample was securely sealed and correctly shipped, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any outstanding data entry tasks absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is inexpensive and rules out drug use in most cases, a confirmed result is necessary for legal purposes. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening demand additional confirmation.
Presumptive positives from Screening result in further hair extraction from the original sample and preparation for Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from hair at a concentration much lower than methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting hair drug screening as the most challenging method to conduct.
The Confirmation process for any positive screen is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the sub-scalp hair follicle.
In Seven Valleys, PA, hair follicle testing holds distinct advantages over urine tests. While urine tests detect recent substance use, hair tests offer superior reliability and a more extensive detection period. This method offers unprecedented accuracy, ensuring that substance use is identified with great precision.
Hair follicle tests in Seven Valleys, PA extend the detection window to cover up to 90 days, offering employers a more thorough understanding of an applicant's or employee's drug use history. This extensive evaluation period provides a clear, prolonged view into past substance utilization.
In Seven Valleys, PA, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests provides substantial advantages. Their rigorous procedure minimizes adulteration risks, ensuring authentic results and offering a trustworthy solution for drug screening needs.
Our nationwide network of testing centers, including in Seven Valleys, PA, offers unparalleled convenience, enabling easy access to drug screening services. This wide-reaching availability ensures a hassle-free testing experience for all clients.
Simplicity and confidentiality are at the core of our testing process in Seven Valleys, PA. From ordering to completing tests and receiving results, the entire operation maintains privacy and ease, respecting the client's needs and security.
In Seven Valleys, PA, we emphasize affordable pricing and speedy results. Our rapid turnaround times and competitive costs deliver significant value, accommodating businesses of any size with efficiency and reliability.
An essential aspect of hair follicle testing in Seven Valleys, PA, is its swift and precise results. This testing method is highly reliable in identifying substance use, delivering quick outcomes thanks to its advanced technology. For those requiring accurate assessments of substance usage, hair follicle tests provide unmatched accuracy.
Employers in Seven Valleys, PA gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, securing compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method minimizes legal risks and advances workplace safety by reliably confirming adherence to substance use standards.
