Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair retains a prolonged history of substance intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair strand. Acquired near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of roughly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, difficult to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising approximately 200 hair strands (around the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp equals 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for analysis and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or assessments above 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We propose weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair may be substituted. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes other types like facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The primary steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the introductory processing of a sample within a lab’s system. This step ensures that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any outstanding data entry if not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid test for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in legal settings. Any samples appearing positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a particularly challenging technique.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Testing is Superior: Hair follicle testing in Curtisville, PA, outperforms urine tests with better detection accuracy and consistency.
Long-term Detection: Hair testing reveals substance use history over a longer period, providing more comprehensive insights.
Long-term Insight: Hair follicle testing in Curtisville, PA, achieves a longer detection period for drug use, up to 90 days.
Comprehensive Assessment: This extended timeframe grants employers a detailed understanding of employees' substance histories.
Secure Results: Hair follicle tests in Curtisville, PA, dramatically lower sample tampering risks, providing trustworthy outcomes.
Confidence in Results: The robust testing method ensures results remain undeniably reliable.
Convenient Access: With extensive testing centers nationwide, including in Curtisville, PA, you'll find testing services quick and simple.
Easy Reach: Our centers ensure hassle-free testing, enhancing convenience for all users.
Effortless and Confidential: Hair follicle testing in Curtisville, PA, offers a straightforward process, addressing privacy concerns.
Peace of Mind: From ordering to results, our process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality.
Cost-Effective Solutions: With competitive pricing in Curtisville, PA, hair follicle testing offers excellent value.
Fast Deliveries: Quick turnaround times ensure efficient service, benefitting businesses of all sizes.
Precision and Speed: Hair follicle drug testing in Curtisville, PA, ensures fast results, offering high accuracy in detecting substance use.
Efficient Testing: This method provides reliable outcomes, proving its worth through swift processing and dependable detection capabilities.
Ensuring Compliance: Hair follicle testing in Curtisville, PA, ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal issues.
Enhanced Workplace Safety: This method supports a safer work environment, aligning with compliance needs.
