Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can offer a historical account of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair strands. Sampling hair near the scalp can reveal drug or alcohol use for up to a three-month period. The collection of hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is an optimal amount for testing and validation. For EtG, advanced tests, and/or panels beyond 10, 150mg of the hair specimen is advisable. It's best to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is logged into the laboratory system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional information not recorded by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a quick preliminary check for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method for ruling out drug use in most samples, any positive results necessitate confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples showing potential positive results during Screening require a confirmatory assessment.
When samples indicate possible positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair from the original specimen is used for the Extraction phase. At this step, substances are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging to implement.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All samples testing presumptively positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory process is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often named "hair follicle tests", the method evaluates the hair strand instead of the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Berwyn, PA, surpasses traditional urine tests by offering unmatched detection accuracy. Hair tests provide a more reliable insight into an individual's drug use history, significantly outshining the limitations of urine testing.
Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection window, hair follicles preserve evidence of substance use for up to 90 days. This longer window is particularly beneficial for employers who strive for stringent drug-free workplace policies in Berwyn, PA.
The extended detection window of up to 90 days makes hair follicle testing in Berwyn, PA, highly valuable for employers seeking a thorough understanding of substance histories. This prolonged window surpasses the capabilities of other types of drug tests, giving a more comprehensive view of an applicant's or employee's history.
Hair follicle testing provides an in-depth and continuous overview of an individual's substance use. Employers in Berwyn, PA, benefit from this extensive detection capability, ensuring a more rounded approach to maintaining workplace safety.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Berwyn, PA, is its tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results are both reliable and unquestionable.
The inherent difficulty in altering a hair sample makes hair follicle tests a preferred choice for many in Berwyn, PA. This reliability is critical for organizations in need of credible drug testing options.
With the convenience of nationwide testing centers and local sites in Berwyn, PA, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is quick and hassle-free.
Simplicity and confidentiality define the hair follicle testing process in Berwyn, PA. From ordering to receiving results, the process is designed to be straightforward while maintaining the utmost privacy.
Providing affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Berwyn, PA, is a valuable option for businesses of all sizes. The competitive pricing structure ensures that high-quality testing is accessible.
The fast turnaround for test results further enhances the value offered, allowing companies to make informed decisions swiftly and efficiently in Berwyn, PA.
In Berwyn, PA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their rapid and precise results. Accurate detection of substance use is ensured, providing reliable answers swiftly. This makes them an ideal choice for situations where timely and exact results are crucial.
The speed and precision of hair testing in Berwyn, PA, enables individuals and companies to confidently rely on the results. The methodology's thorough analysis leaves no room for doubt about the accuracy of substance detection.
Employers in Berwyn, PA, gain peace of mind by using hair follicle tests to ensure compliance with workplace drug-free policies. The comprehensive detection capabilities and difficulty in tampering provide clear advantages over other testing methods.
By offering a foolproof approach, hair testing helps reduce potential legal risks associated with drug policy violations in Berwyn, PA. This proactive strategy contributes to a safer and more compliant work environment.
