Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures long-term evidence of substances by incorporating biomarkers as the hair strand grows. When gathered close to the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month window for detecting drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easily transported.
A 1.5-inch section containing around 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp results in 100mg of hair, the preferred sample size for analysis and verification. For tests like EtG, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is unobtainable, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. Referring to head hair pertains specifically to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the sample’s initial integration into a laboratory’s framework. This step ensures the sample’s secure transport, generates a specific LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening conducts a preliminary assessment for substance misuse. Although Screening provides an affordable means to negate drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal viability. Samples yielding a presumptive positive must undergo a secondary verification.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, an additional hair portion is drawn from the original and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, hair drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive results from Screening advance to Confirmation, performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to Confirmation, samples testing presumptive positive are cleansed as necessary. The entire laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although occasionally termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Superior Detection Accuracy in Hair Follicle Testing
In Village Shires, PA, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests regarding detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests can identify drug use over an extended period, offering a more comprehensive analysis.
Extended Detection Window with Hair Follicle Testing
Hair follicle testing in Village Shires, PA, provides a substantial detection window, encompassing up to 90 days. This feature gives employers an extensive overview of an individual's substance history, aiding in more informed decision-making.
Reduction in Sample Adulteration
Hair follicle tests in Village Shires, PA, significantly curb the chances of sample tampering. This method ensures the integrity of results, providing trustworthy and verifiable outcomes that employers can trust.
Nationwide Testing Convenience
Convenience is assured with Accredited Drug Testing, offering numerous nationwide centers, including in Village Shires, PA. This network facilitates easy and hassle-free access to testing services when needed.
Confidential and Straightforward Testing Process
In Village Shires, PA, accessing hair follicle testing is straightforward and secure. Our simple process ensures privacy and ease, from ordering to taking the test and receiving the results.
Competitive Pricing, Fast Turnaround
At Accredited Drug Testing in Village Shires, PA, we offer competitive pricing along with fast result delivery. This combination provides excellent value, ensuring businesses receive quality services promptly.
The Precision and Speed of Hair Follicle Drug Tests
In Village Shires, PA, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision in substance detection. These tests deliver results quickly, ensuring that substance use is accurately identified. The accuracy of hair follicle tests makes them a reliable choice for those requiring fast and dependable results.
Ensuring Compliant and Safe Workplaces
For employers in Village Shires, PA, hair follicle testing provides compliance with drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and promoting a safer work environment. It is an essential tool for maintaining peace of mind in policy adherence.
