Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands. When collected close to the scalp, hair offers nearly a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drug usage. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect sample for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG additions and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of processing a sample in a laboratory's system. This includes verifying that the sample's seal and shipping are intact, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and supplementing any additional data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening encompasses a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective strategy to rule out drug usage in most samples, any positive screen mandates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that seem positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample appears positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and processed for Extraction. In this step, drugs are separated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumed positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test itself analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Traditional urine tests have been outperformed by hair follicle testing in Taylorstown Station, PA. Superior detection capability is a leading advantage, offering a wider detection time span.
The reliability of hair follicle testing is emphasized by its accurate results. With an ability to trace drug use 90 days back, they exceed what urine tests can typically provide, proving invaluable to employers.
One of the significant strengths of hair follicle testing in Taylorstown Station, PA is its extended detection capacity. Tracing substance use up to 90 days allows for a thorough overview of an individual’s history.
This considerable detection window helps companies gain comprehensive insights into an employee or candidate's drug use profile, proving essential for decision-making.
In Taylorstown Station, PA, hair follicle tests substantially diminish tampering risks. This testing method is structured to deliver unquestionable results by resisting sample interference.
One cannot argue with the integrity hair follicle tests bring. Cutting down sample adulteration means assuring result reliability without doubt, crucial for solid outcomes.
Accessibility across the nation comes easy with hair follicle testing centers, even in Taylorstown Station, PA. Quick and hassle-free testing is made possible by strategic location placements.
With nationwide and local access to testing facilities, individuals can satisfy their testing needs сonveniently anywhere, ensuring seamless service delivery.
Hair follicle testing in Taylorstown Station, PA emphasizes a confidential and uncomplicated process, from ordering to result reception. Ensuring ease and privacy, it addresses user concerns effectively.
Simplicity stands at the forefront, making usage carefree and private. The process fosters a sense of security in handling personal testing data.
In Taylorstown Station, PA, effective pricing alongside rapid processing timeliness makes hair follicle testing a viable choice for companies. Quality meets affordability.
Speedy and budget-friendly, hair follicle testing presents excellent value. Quick turnarounds mean efficient cost management without compromising on quality.
In Taylorstown Station, PA, hair follicle tests are beloved for their speedy and precise outcomes. Compared to traditional testing forms, they assure high accuracy in substance detection. With enhanced precision, they help in forming clear, reliable drug use insights.
Time is of the essence, especially when testing for substances. The prompt, accurate results from hair follicle testing provide peace of mind. Precision and efficiency make this method a top choice in the area.
To maintain a drug-free environment, hair follicle testing for Taylorstown Station, PA employers ensures policy adherence. Promoting compliance reduces legal risks and advances safety.
Employers gain peace of mind as hair follicle testing reinforces policy adherence, sharpening safety protocols and diminishing potential workplace hazards.
