Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. The collection process for hair is straightforward, it is relatively resistant to tampering, and it is convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising approximately 200 strands (resembling the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional substances, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is suggested. We advocate for weighing the sample on a jeweler's scale. If head hair is not available, a comparable mass of body hair can be collected. Mention of head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in a laboratory comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial incorporation of a specimen into the laboratory's inventory. This involves checking that the specimen is appropriately sealed and dispatched, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening functions as a preliminary rapid test for detecting common drugs. While Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug use in most cases, a positive result requires further verification to be court-admissible. Any samples marked positive during Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If a sample indicates positivity during the Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a concentration considerably lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), posing additional challenges for hair drug testing.
Any Screening results that test positive are validated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that exhibit presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation is conducted as necessary. The whole laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mars, PA Hair testing is superior to traditional urine tests because it provides more accurate and reliable detection results. In Mars, PA, this method is preferred for its longer detection window and less invasive nature.
Extended Detection Window in Mars, PA Employers in Mars, PA benefit from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window. This method detects drug use for up to 90 days, offering a thorough insight into the substance history of employees or applicants.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mars, PA Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration. Mars, PA residents can rely on this method for delivering trustworthy and indisputable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Mars, PA Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation makes it easy for Mars, PA residents to access quick and hassle-free testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Mars, PA The process for hair follicle testing is simple and ensures confidentiality. Residents of Mars, PA can easily order, complete, and receive results with concerns for privacy address.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mars, PA Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times offer excellent value to companies of all sizes in Mars, PA. Get reliable testing without breaking the bank.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mars, PA Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision. They offer a high level of accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring reliable results quickly. This makes them an excellent choice for Mars, PA residents looking for fast and accurate drug testing solutions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mars, PA Implementing hair follicle testing ensures that employers in Mars, PA adhere to drug-free workplace policies. This approach reduces legal risks and fosters a safer workplace.
