Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. When extracted close to the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to around 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch segment encompassing about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, it's suggested to collect 150mg of the specimen. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing is advised. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of initially integrating a sample into a lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample was securely sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to hold up in court. Samples that return a presumptive positive in Screening do necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Upon a positive presumption during the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction preparation. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is the reason hair drug screening is the most intricate method to execute.
Any positive results from screening undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself scrutinizes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Mount Union, PA, hair drug tests surpass urine tests due to their superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which cover a short detection period, hair analysis offers an extended window of detection. This makes it harder to manipulate and provides consistent results.
The hair follicle test in Mount Union, PA, provides an extended detection window, revealing drug use up to 90 days prior. This broader time frame gives employers a detailed view of an individual's drug history, making it a valuable tool for assessing long-term drug habits.
Hair follicle tests used in Mount Union, PA, offer a tamper-resistant method of testing, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. Ensuring reliable results, this method is difficult to tamper with, thus safeguarding the integrity of the test outcomes.
In Mount Union, PA, enjoy the convenience of testing at nationwide locations including local centers, ensuring accessibility and ease. Our widespread testing centers facilitate hassle-free services for everyone.
Experience a simple, confidential process in Mount Union, PA, when ordering and receiving hair follicle test results. Our streamlined system respects privacy, delivering ease of use from start to finish.
In Mount Union, PA, our hair testing services are affordable with fast turnaround, providing great value for organizations of all sizes. Competitive pricing and fast results support cost-effective decision making.
In Mount Union, PA, hair follicle drug tests guarantee fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their high precision in detecting substance use ensures confidence for both employers and individuals. The speed at which results are obtained, coupled with their accuracy, makes hair testing a top choice.
For employers in Mount Union, PA, hair follicle testing assures compliance with workplace drug policies and provides peace of mind. By maintaining strict adherence to these guidelines, companies reduce legal risks and foster a safe work environment.
