Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of substance use, embedding biomarkers within the structure of the hair shaft as it grows. If collected from near the scalp, hair can present a detection timeline of around three months for drugs and alcohol. Its collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample containing roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg, which is an optimal quantity for both initial tests and verifications. For EtG inclusions or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It’s preferable to measure the hair sample using a jeweler's scale. Should there be no scalp hair, a comparable volume of body hair can be obtained. In discussing head hair, we strictly mean scalp hair. The term body hair refers to all other kinds (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory conduct of drug test analysis consists of four core stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory phase where a sample is entered into a lab's system. This phase covers the validation of proper sealing and shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concluding any remaining data input absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening delivers a quick preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. Even though Screening is economically efficient for excluding drug usage for most samples, a positive finding must be ratified to be legally valid. Samples showing potential positive results in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows tentative positive results in the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the primary collection and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drug compounds are meticulously isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative testing methodologies (like urine or oral fluid), thus rendering hair drug testing the most intricate methodology.
The validation of each positive Screening outcome is completed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo cleansing before confirmation when necessary. Every step from Accessioning to Confirmation aligns with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: This is commonly dubbed as "hair follicle tests", however, the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Sewickley Hills, PA, the benefits of hair testing over urine tests are evident. Hair follicle tests provide an extended detection window, allow for comprehensive substance history evaluation, and offer enhanced accuracy compared to traditional testing methods. This makes them a vital tool for ensuring effective and reliable drug-use screening.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Sewickley Hills, PA is significant, capturing drug usage for up to 90 days. This expansive timeframe allows employers to gain valuable insights into an individual's substance history, ensuring informed decision-making regarding hiring or continued employment.
Hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant solution in Sewickley Hills, PA, reducing the possibility of adulteration. Sample integrity is maintained due to the direct collection and evaluation of hair samples, which makes this method a reliable option for accurate and unquestionable drug testing results.
With numerous testing locations around the nation and convenient local centers in Sewickley Hills, PA, accessing drug testing services has never been easier. These centers provide hassle-free options for individuals and employers, ensuring quick and simple access to necessary testing services, contributing to the ease of maintaining a drug-free environment.
The process of hair follicle testing in Sewickley Hills, PA is both straightforward and confidential. Ordering, collecting samples, and obtaining results are handled with privacy and efficiency in mind, addressing concerns about confidentiality and user-friendliness, ensuring the process remains unobtrusive and seamless for all involved.
Affordable pricing and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Sewickley Hills, PA an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. Competitive rates combined with fast, accurate results offer great value, ensuring companies can maintain their standards without compromising on budgetary considerations.
Hair follicle drug tests in Sewickley Hills, PA deliver fast and precise results, making them a preferred choice for accurate substance use detection. Their high sensitivity ensures that even minuscule traces of drugs are identified efficiently. The swift turnaround times coupled with reliable outcomes distinguish hair follicle testing as a top-tier option for those needing quick and dependable screening.
By implementing hair follicle testing in Sewickley Hills, PA, employers can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method minimizes legal risks and enhances workplace safety, providing peace of mind through thoroughly vetted screening processes and reducing the likelihood of illicit substance use among employees.
