Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting substance use. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers in the strands during growth. Sampling hair near the scalp can offer a detection window of up to roughly three months for substances. The process of hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG assessments or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair should be gathered. References to head hair denote scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the lab analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This process checks if the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data input not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening carries out an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective method to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening require another validation step.
For samples with presumptive positives in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is among the most challenging techniques.
Confirmation of any positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation, as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Toftrees, PA, provides superior detection accuracy over traditional urine testing. Its reliability stems from a longer detection window and resistance to tampering, making it the better choice for thorough drug screening.
In Toftrees, PA, hair follicle testing is effective for long-term detection of drug use, covering up to 90 days. This extended window gives employers a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history, offering valuable insights.
Hair follicle testing in Toftrees, PA, significantly minimizes sample adulteration risks. This testing method guarantees reliable and unquestionable results, making it a preferred choice for drug screening.
The nationwide and local presence of testing centers in Toftrees, PA, ensures convenience and easy access to services, facilitating a hassle-free drug testing process.
In Toftrees, PA, the process remains simple and confidential for ordering and receiving results. Clients can trust the privacy and ease associated with hair follicle testing.
Competitive pricing structures in Toftrees, PA, paired with a fast turnaround, offer great value and peace of mind for companies. The affordability of these services supports businesses of various sizes.
In Toftrees, PA, hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and quick results. Known for high accuracy in identifying substance use, these tests ensure efficient and reliable outcomes.
In Toftrees, PA, using hair follicle testing for workplace policies ensures compliance with drug-free regulations. It brings peace of mind to employers by reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety.
