Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have emerged as an influential means for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. The hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, which allows for a prolonged history of substance use to be observed. By securing hair samples near the scalp, it is possible to identify the presence of alcohol or drugs for about a 3-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and effortless to transport.
A 1.5-inch section, including roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, can produce a 100mg sample, which is ideal for screening and confirmation procedures. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair pertain only to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory examination of a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase in which the sample is integrated into the laboratory’s operations. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, assigns it a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any supplemental data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a primary examination for potential drug use. While this is a cost-efficient strategy to eliminate suspicions of drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires further verification to be acknowledged in judicial proceedings. Thus, any presumptively positive sample in Screening demands a follow-up confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. This phase involves retrieving drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques (ex. urine or oral fluid), emphasizing the complexity of conducting hair drug assessments.
The Confirmation stage for any positive screenings is carried out via methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually pertains to the hair strand itself, not the follicle situated beneath the scalp.
In Collegeville, PA, hair follicle testing offers superior detection and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. Hair tests have an extensive detection window, capturing substance use over several months, unlike urine tests that only reflect recent usage.
The accuracy of hair testing is enhanced by its tamper-resistant nature, offering a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. This makes it a preferred option for employers enforcing strict drug-free policies.
Hair follicle testing in Collegeville, PA, boasts an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This period allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, far exceeding the timeframe offered by urine tests.
This extended detection provides a more complete view of substance use, offering insights into long-term behavioral patterns. Employers and courts benefit from this comprehensive overview, enhancing decision-making and policy enforcement.
One of the key strengths of hair follicle testing in Collegeville, PA, is its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike urine tests, which can be manipulated, hair tests significantly reduce the likelihood of sample adulteration.
This reliability provides confidence in the test results, ensuring they remain unquestionable. For employers and legal entities, this tamper-resistant feature enhances trust in the testing process and the validity of findings.
Our testing centers in Collegeville, PA, are part of a vast network providing convenient access across the nation. Quick and easy testing is guaranteed, eliminating the hassle of locating services.
Whether in Collegeville or beyond, our locations ensure seamless access to top-notch testing facilities, accommodating the needs of businesses and individuals seeking dependable drug testing solutions.
The process for hair follicle testing in Collegeville, PA, is characterized by its simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward, with privacy being a paramount concern.
This hassle-free approach appeals to individuals and businesses alike, ensuring a stress-free experience while safeguarding personal information. The process is designed to protect client confidentiality at every step.
In Collegeville, PA, our hair follicle testing services are priced affordably, offering excellent value regardless of company size. The swift turnaround of results adds to the value, making this an economical choice.
With competitive pricing and fast delivery of results, our services cater to businesses and individuals seeking efficient and cost-effective drug testing solutions, ensuring peace of mind without breaking the bank.
Hair follicle drug tests in Collegeville, PA, are renowned for their accuracy and speed. These tests meticulously detect substance use, providing quick and precise results. With superior accuracy, they identify a range of substances, offering a reliable assessment.
The testing process is designed for efficiency, ensuring that results are delivered promptly. This makes hair follicle testing an optimal choice for employers and individuals seeking fast and dependable results in Collegeville.
Employers in Collegeville, PA, can ensure effortless compliance with drug-free workplace policies by adopting hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety compared to urine testing.
The accurate and extensive detection capabilities of hair tests provide employers with peace of mind, knowing that they are maintaining a secure and compliant working environment, reducing exposure to potential liabilities.
