Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are now regarded as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encases a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When clipped near the scalp, hair can yield roughly a 3-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to amass, moderately challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A segment of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hairs (around the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will render 100mg, the optimal quantity for tests and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a similar amount of body hair may be gathered. By head hair, we refer to scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial introduction of a sample to a lab’s system. This step consists of ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and achieving any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical means to exclude drug use on most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation for it to be acceptable in legal proceedings. Any samples tentatively positive during Screening mandate secondary confirmation.
If a specimen exhibits a tentative positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All provisionally positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the examination itself evaluates the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests in Trafford, PA, the former clearly offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a more comprehensive understanding of substance use.
Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing ensures a robust detection capability, leaving less room for error and providing clearer insights into substance use history.
In Trafford, PA, hair follicle tests boast an extended detection window, often reaching up to 90 days. This long-term view is crucial for employers seeking thorough background checks.
This method allows employers to assess an individual's substance history in detail, ensuring that they have a comprehensive overview of any drug use.
Hair follicle testing in Trafford, PA, greatly minimizes the risk of sample tampering. Its design ensures that results remain unaltered and credible.
This tamper-resistant nature means that the outcomes are trusted and provide a dependable basis for any needed interventions.
For those in Trafford, PA, accessing our drug testing services is made easy with our nationwide network of testing centers. Convenience is key with locations that are easy to reach and ready to assist.
This network ensures that clients receive quick and straightforward access to our reliable testing services without unnecessary delays.
In Trafford, PA, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. This straightforward approach ensures user ease and privacy.
From ordering the test to receiving results, our process addresses privacy concerns, emphasizing user confidence and simplicity.
Our services in Trafford, PA, combine affordable pricing with fast turnaround times. This ensures that companies, regardless of size, receive great value.
A competitive pricing structure paired with prompt service provides businesses with peace of mind without straining budgets.
In Trafford, PA, hair follicle drug tests stand out due to their speed and precision. The accuracy they offer in identifying substance use is unmatched, making them a preferred choice for many.
With the capability of providing fast and reliable results, these tests ensure that users receive timely and precise data. This efficiency is pivotal for making informed decisions swiftly.
Employers in Trafford, PA, find peace of mind with hair follicle tests as they help maintain compliance with drug-free policies. This can reduce potential legal risks.
By adopting this testing method, workplaces ensure a safer environment and uphold stringent compliance standards effectively.
