Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug presence by trapping biomarkers in the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month window for detecting alcohol and other drugs. It's easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
An optimal sample for screening and confirmation involves a 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, providing 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional testing, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is not obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system, ensuring that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. While Screening provides a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples presumptively positive during Screening mandate a secondary confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen to prepare it for Extraction. During this phase, the drug is extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair testing is regarded as the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation when necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the test itself analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Ursina, PA, the benefits of hair follicle testing surpass those of traditional urine tests. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability over time, capturing a more extended history of substance use. This longer detection period, up to 90 days, provides a clearer understanding compared to the short window that urine testing covers.
Hair follicle testing in Ursina, PA, offers an extended detection window, monitoring drug use for up to 90 days. This capability allows employers to gain a thorough view of an individual's substance history, aiding in better decision-making. The comprehensive timeline is unmatched by other testing methods, like urine tests, which only provide a brief snapshot.
One of the significant advantages of hair follicle tests in Ursina, PA, is their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other testing methods, the risk of sample adulteration is minimized, ensuring trustworthy and incontrovertible results. Choosing hair tests means ensuring the integrity and credibility of the testing outcomes.
With convenient nationwide and local testing centers in Ursina, PA, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is simple and hassle-free. Our widespread locations ensure that you can quickly obtain the necessary testing, streamlining the process for businesses and individuals alike.
The process for hair follicle testing in Ursina, PA, is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are straightforward, ensuring privacy and ease of use. This secure process alleviates concerns about confidentiality, making it a reliable option for individuals and businesses.
We offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Ursina, PA. Our competitive pricing structures provide excellent value without sacrificing quality or speed, ensuring peace of mind for businesses of various sizes. Prompt results coupled with cost-effectiveness make our services a smart choice.
Hair follicle drug testing in Ursina, PA, stands out for its fast and reliable outcomes. This method provides high accuracy and quick results, effectively detecting substance use over time. The precision of hair tests ensures dependable outcomes, making it a trusted option for those seeking clarity and efficiency in drug testing.
Employers in Ursina, PA, can achieve compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method aligns with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. By opting for hair tests, employers uphold standards and reinforce a commitment to a safe and compliant work environment.
