Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is widely recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair serves as a record of prolonged usage by embedding markers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to nearly a 3-month detection period for substances such as alcohol and other drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprised of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect quantity for both initial tests and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. Should there be a lack of scalp hair, an equal amount of body hair may be utilized. Usage of the term head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for processing a drug test result within the lab involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The phase of Accessioning includes the initial logging of a specimen into the laboratory's system. This phase ensures the sample is correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entries not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
In the Screening phase, there's an initial assessment to identify drugs of abuse. Screening serves as a cost-efficient way to discount drug presence in most samples, but a screen indicating positive requires validation to be considered courtworthy. Samples that are presumed positive by Screening must undergo further verification.
When a sample tests as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for the Extraction stage. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug tests.
Any positive results from the Screening stage undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed to be positive are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests," the procedure evaluates the hair strand rather than the sub-scalp hair follicle.
In Shoemakersville, PA, hair follicle testing clearly outperforms traditional urine analysis. One key advantage is its longer detection window, which provides a more comprehensive drug use history. In contrast, urine tests often miss patterns of use preceding a five-day window, limiting their reliability.
Moreover, hair tests offer enhanced accuracy as substances get embedded in hair, bypassing the limitations urine tests face with fluctuations in body hydration levels affecting metabolite concentration.
Shoemakersville, PA benefits greatly from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing, which captures a vast history of drug use. With a capacity to detect drugs consumed up to 90 days prior, this method offers a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance habits.
Such a wide detection period facilitates better-informed decisions, allowing employers to evaluate the long-term patterns instead of isolated incidents when screening for drug use.
The hair follicle testing method in Shoemakersville, PA significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering. Unlike urine tests, which are vulnerable to dilution or substitution, hair tests offer a virtually foolproof collection process.
With this approach, results are reliable, securing the integrity of the sample from collection to analysis, making it the preferred choice for ensuring genuine outcomes.
With easy access to convenient testing centers, Shoemakersville, PA residents benefit from local and nationwide locations for hair follicle testing. Accredited Drug Testing offers quick, hassle-free access to their services, making testing efficient.
Whether locally or nationwide, our facilities ensure consistent service and access to testing for organizations and individuals, facilitating seamless testing processes.
Accredited Drug Testing in Shoemakersville, PA streamlines hair follicle testing to ensure a simple, confidential process. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure is straightforward, meeting privacy concerns.
By focusing on user-friendly steps, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that clients experience a hassle-free process, prioritizing both ease of use and confidentiality in every interaction.
In Shoemakersville, PA, affordable pricing structures for hair follicle testing ensure cost-effective solutions without compromising quality. Quickly processed results offer significant value for businesses of all sizes.
Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive rates along with fast turnaround times, allowing companies to conduct drug screenings efficiently while managing budgets effectively.
Hair follicle drug tests in Shoemakersville, PA deliver results that are precise and prompt. These tests are renowned for their high accuracy in uncovering substance use, ensuring that the detection of drugs is not only swift but reliable. The streamlined process aids in quick decision-making for employers and concerned parties, ensuring timely responses to potential issues.
Compared to other methods, the accuracy of hair follicle drug tests avoids false negatives and boosts confidence in the results. With the capability of identifying a wider array of substances, these tests prove to be a superior choice for detecting drug use, making them an invaluable tool.
In Shoemakersville, PA, utilizing hair follicle testing ensures employers' adherence to strict, drug-free workplace policies, providing legal assurance and fostering a safer working environment.
This testing method reduces legal liabilities associated with erroneous testing results, delivering peace of mind. Companies benefit by mitigating the risks of accidents and productivity loss related to drug use.
