Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The perception of hair testing has evolved into a crucial method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) cut close to the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, the prime amount for analyzing and confirming. For EtG, additional tests, and panels exceeding ten, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a small scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory assessment of a drug test involves four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory phase where a sample is processed into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample is correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any missing data beyond what the electronic chain of custody provides.
Screening involves an introductory rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, any positive screen must be verified to be suitable for legal proceedings. Samples that are presumed positive in Screening necessitate a further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation set by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests," this test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The reasons why hair follicle testing exceeds traditional urine testing in Westfield, PA are evident through its remarkable detection capabilities. This method offers superior accuracy and reliability, helping to identify substance use effectively. Enhanced detection is key for organizations aiming to maintain a drug-free environment, offering peace of mind and compliance assurance.
One of the primary advantages of hair follicle testing in Westfield, PA is its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This long-span view is vital for employers seeking a broad understanding of an individual’s substance history, aiding in informed hiring decisions and continued employment evaluations.
Hair follicle tests are notably tamper-resistant, thus ensuring the integrity of the sample in Westfield, PA. The robust testing process minimizes the possibility of adulteration, providing trustworthy results that employers and legal entities can confidently rely on to make crucial decisions.
Access to testing services is made convenient through nationwide centers alongside local facilities in Westfield, PA. This extensive accessibility guarantees quick and straightforward logistical handling, ensuring hassle-free experience for all participants seeking drug testing.
In Westfield, PA, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential, providing assurance on privacy throughout the entire procedure. From order placement to results delivery, every step is straightforward, safeguarding the confidentiality of result.
Cost-effectiveness merges with swift results in Westfield, PA through competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. Employers of any size benefit from this value proposition, enjoying peace of mind with affordable solutions that do not compromise on quality or speed.
In Westfield, PA, hair follicle drug testing stands out due to its speed and precision. By using advanced analysis techniques, hair tests offer high accuracy levels in detecting various substances, ensuring reliable outcomes. Fast and accurate testing is crucial for both personal and professional use, and these benefits enhance decision-making processes.
Employers in Westfield, PA find compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing, thanks to its alignment with workplace drug-free policies. This testing method not only reduces legal risks but also enhances workplace safety, upholding a secure and healthy work environment for all employees.
