Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection window extending up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and simple to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG enhancements, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is lacking, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. The term head hair refers solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the laboratory encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is filtered into the laboratory’s system. This process verifies that the sample was secured and transmitted correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial, expedient assessment for drug abuse indicators. Although it is an economical method to eliminate drug usage in the bulk of samples, any positive results in Screening require confirmation for admissibility in court. Samples yielding presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate a secondary validation.
If a presumptive positive is detected in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the principal sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are drawn from hair at a substantially lower concentration than alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging to execute.
Fail-safe of any positive Screening output occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive require cleansing before confirmation. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Prevails Over Urine Testing in Worthville, PA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. The method's increased detection window and difficulty to tamper with make hair tests a more dependable option, giving employers and institutions a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Worthville, PA
One significant advantage of hair follicle testing is it can trace drug use over a longer duration—up to 90 days. This extended detection period provides employers with a broader understanding of an individual’s substance use habits, proving crucial for assessing an applicant or employee's history accurately.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Worthville, PA
Hair follicle testing is notably tamper-resistant, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This aspect ensures that the results obtained are both reliable and unquestionable, making it a preferred method for detecting substance use in sensitive environments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Worthville, PA
Our widespread network of testing centers, including local options, offers convenient access to testing services. This setup ensures a quick and hassle-free experience, allowing individuals and companies to meet their testing requirements smoothly.
Simple and Confidential Process in Worthville, PA
Our hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively. From ordering the test to receiving results, the process is streamlined to ensure ease of use for every individual involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Worthville, PA
We offer competitive pricing structures coupled with swift turnaround times. Our service provides excellent value, ensuring that businesses of any size can manage their testing needs affordably while maintaining peace of mind.
In Worthville, PA, hair follicle tests are renowned for providing fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of these tests ensures that substance use is detected with high accuracy. This testing method is becoming popular due to its ability to deliver dependable outcomes quickly, making it a favored choice for many employers and organizations.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Worthville, PA
Adopting hair follicle testing helps companies adhere to drug-free workplace policies, thus reducing legal risks. This testing method not only enhances workplace safety but also provides employers with confidence and peace of mind regarding their compliance efforts.
