Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Regarded as an effective method for discerning drug and alcohol consumption, hair analysis offers a prolonged timeline of substance use by holding onto biomarkers within the strands. When collected nearest to the scalp, it delivers an alcohol and drug history of up to three months. The process of gathering hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing roughly 200 hairs (approximately the girth of a #2 pencil) from the area closest to the scalp will yield a 100mg hair specimen, which is optimal for initial testing and validation. For EtG, additional examinations, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest measuring the weight using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair mean only scalp hair, whereas body hair pertains to other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
Drug test result analysis in the lab is comprised of four crucial procedures: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the preliminary steps of enrolling a specimen into the laboratory’s system. This includes verifying the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry that an electronic chain of custody system doesn't cover.
Screening represents the initial swift inspection for substance abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method for excluding drug utilization for the majority of samples, a court-admissible positive screen requires verification. Samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are withdrawn from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing the most intricate to execute.
Confirmation of any positive findings from Screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The entire lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While typically dubbed "hair follicle tests", the analysis concerns the hair strand itself, not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Worcester, PA
In Worcester, PA, hair follicle tests offer numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. These tests boast superior detection accuracy and provide more reliable results, offering a clearer view of an individual's substance use history. Employers benefit from a robust testing tool that aligns with strict drug-free policies.
Extended Detection Window in Worcester, PA
Hair follicle testing in Worcester, PA, reveals drug use over an extended duration, often up to 90 days. This comprehensive coverage offers employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, surpassing the limited timeline of urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Worcester, PA
The hair follicle testing method used in Worcester, PA, significantly minimizes the risk of tampering. Its innovative nature ensures the integrity of the sample, yielding reliable and undeniable results critical for legal and employment scenarios.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Worcester, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers provides easy and accessible testing services across Worcester, PA, and nationwide. This convenience allows for hassle-free scheduling, ensuring that drug testing needs are met promptly and efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Worcester, PA
In Worcester, PA, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to result delivery, the emphasis is on privacy and ease, addressing any concerns about the testing process for both employers and individuals.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Worcester, PA
Our hair follicle testing services in Worcester, PA, are competitively priced, offering swift turnaround times. This combination delivers excellent value, catering to companies of all sizes looking to maintain their budget without sacrificing quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Worcester, PA
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its rapid and precise results. In Worcester, PA, this testing method provides a high level of accuracy in identifying substance use, offering timely insights essential for employers and legal entities looking for definitive and dependable information.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Worcester, PA
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Worcester, PA, ensures that employers meet compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal liabilities and boosts workplace safety, offering peace of mind and a secure work environment.
