Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a prolonged history by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. If collected close to the scalp, hair analysis can detect alcohol and various drugs for up to three months. This method is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section made up of about 200 strands of hair (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for testing. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. Use a jeweler’s scale for precise weighing. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When referring to head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the primary entry of a sample into the lab system, confirming the integrity of the seal and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial evaluation for drug presence. It’s a cost-effective method to rule out drugs in most samples, though any positive findings need confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that yield presumptive positives during Screening require second-stage confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive in Screening, further hair is sourced from the initial batch for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from the hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid)—a factor that makes hair testing uniquely challenging.
Confirmation for any positive results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation, as needed. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, complies with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The benefits of hair follicle testing over urine tests in Indianola, PA, are compelling. Hair tests offer superior detection by catching drug use over a more extended timeframe, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection window, limiting historical insight. Hair testing provides greater reliability and accuracy, fundamental for employers.
In Indianola, PA, hair follicle testing offers an expanded detection window, up to 90 days, capturing long-term substance history. This extensive visibility allows employers comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use, forming a vital part of thorough assessments for hiring or ongoing employee evaluations.
The robustness of hair follicle testing in Indianola, PA, highlights its resistance to tampering efforts. This method significantly minimizes risks associated with sample adulteration, offering clear, consistent, and indisputable results, thereby reinforcing the integrity of the testing process.
Indianola, PA residents benefit from broad access to hair follicle testing through both local and nationwide testing centers. Convenience is key, with many locations providing quick, easy, and hassle-free access, ensuring that you can find a convenient center wherever you are.
The process in Indianola, PA for hair follicle testing is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting samples and receiving results, we prioritize privacy and simplicity, addressing any privacy concerns and ensuring the user experience is seamless.
Our hair follicle testing in Indianola, PA, stands out for its affordability and quick service. Competitive prices paired with fast processing make it an excellent value for companies of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind through cost-effective, timely solutions.
In Indianola, PA, hair follicle drug testing signifies speed, precision, and high reliability. This type of testing ensures rapid identification of substances with remarkable accuracy. The result data demonstrates dependability and timeliness, vital for urgent decision-making in both workplace and personal scenarios.
Hair follicle testing in Indianola, PA, is essential for maintaining workplace policy compliance. It aids in mitigating legal risks and ensures safety by aligning with drug-free workplace standards, offering employers a sense of security and Peace of Mind in their operational practices.
