Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as a potent means to detect drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive account of drugs and alcohol by encasing biomarkers in the fibers of the lengthening hair shaft. When obtained near the scalp, it can reflect drug and alcohol presence for up to a 3-month period. Hair is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for assessments and verifications. For EtG, additional tests, or when more than 10 panels are needed, 150mg of hair is advisable. It is suggested to measure the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not an option, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Summary
The four essential steps in a lab’s drug test analysis include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning represents the initial phase where a sample is logged into a lab’s system. It entails confirming proper sealing and shipping, assigning an anonymous LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any manual data entries absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for abuse drugs. Although great for ruling out most drug use inexpensively, positive screens must be verified for legal acceptability. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening need supplementary confirmation.
Where a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted for further preparation during Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower density than other methods (such as urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most complex method.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positives receive a wash before confirmation, as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the complete lab process is monitored under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test focuses on analyzing hair strands, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
For those in Walnut Bottom, PA, hair follicle testing is superior to urine tests. This innovative method provides enhanced detection capabilities, making it highly reliable for identifying substance use. The accuracy of hair testing stands out when compared to traditional urine tests.
Employers benefit from hair testing, as it offers better detection and reliability. Using hair samples allows for greater insight into long-term substance use, unmatched by urine testing methods.
Employers in Walnut Bottom, PA, benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window. Hair tests reveal drug use over a longer duration, up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive view of substance history.
This longer detection period is invaluable for assessing an applicant or employee's long-term behavior. It provides insightful information that can't be matched by shorter-term testing methods, guiding informed decisions.
In Walnut Bottom, PA, hair follicle tests minimize the potential for tampering. This robust testing method ensures sample integrity and delivers unquestionable results.
The risk of sample adulteration is significantly reduced through hair testing, making it a reliable option for accurate drug screening. This method safeguards against common manipulation tactics, fostering trust in the results.
Walnut Bottom, PA, is supported by convenient nationwide hair follicle testing centers, ensuring easy access to testing services. These centers are optimally located for quick and hassle-free testing.
The nationwide network of testing locations provides Walnut Bottom residents with the flexibility to access services promptly and efficiently, enhancing the overall testing experience.
In Walnut Bottom, PA, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, each step focuses on privacy and ease of use.
Individuals can confidently engage in the process, knowing their confidentiality is maintained throughout. The straightforwardness of the procedure reinforces trust and encourages participation in testing programs.
Walnut Bottom, PA, offers competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, paired with fast turnaround times. This blend of affordability and speed ensures excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
Employers can take advantage of the cost-effective nature of hair testing, benefiting from prompt results at a fraction of the cost, enhancing corporate satisfaction.
In Walnut Bottom, PA, the precision and efficiency of hair follicle drug tests set a high standard. They are renowned for their accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring results are both fast and reliable. These tests outmatch traditional methods by swiftly delivering precise outcomes, critical for employers.
The speed and dependability of hair testing make it a preferred choice for those needing fast solutions. Its accuracy ensures confidence in the results obtained.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Walnut Bottom, PA, helps employers comply with drug-free policies, offering peace of mind. It reduces legal risks and promotes workplace safety.
By ensuring compliance, employers can maintain a safe and productive environment. Hair testing provides a reliable framework for maintaining policies, contributing to a secure work atmosphere.
