Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a vital method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. Collected near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol presence for roughly three months. Hair sample collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hairs (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, optimal for analysis. For extensive screenings like EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. When scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" pertains specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is entered into a lab's system. This phase ensures the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for common drugs. Although Screening is cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally valid. Presumptive positive samples in Screening demand secondary verification.
In cases of a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. This procedure extracts drugs from hair at lower concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluid testing, which positions hair testing as one of the more challenging methodologies.
Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the assay evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Strasburg, PA
The reliability of hair tests in Strasburg, PA, ensures that detection accuracy remains unmatched, offering peace of mind to organizations enforcing zero-tolerance policies.
Extended Detection Window in Strasburg, PA
Employers in Strasburg, PA, benefit from the extensive detection timeline, gaining an in-depth understanding of substance use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Strasburg, PA
By reducing the potential for tampering, hair tests offer secure, accurate results, enhancing the trust in testing processes in Strasburg, PA.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Strasburg, PA
Strasburg residents benefit from local accessibility through numerous testing centers.
Simple, Confidential Process in Strasburg, PA
The confidentiality and simplicity of the hair testing process removes barriers for individuals and employers in Strasburg, PA.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Strasburg, PA
Strasburg businesses enjoy the economic benefits of cost-effective pricing paired with rapid turnaround.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Strasburg, PA
Compared to other methods, the prompt turnaround of hair tests in Strasburg, PA, instills confidence in employers and organizations seeking reliable results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Strasburg, PA
Employers in Strasburg, PA, achieve greater assurance of compliance and enhanced safety through hair testing methods.
