Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair tests has emerged as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the growing strand's fibers. By cutting hair close to the scalp area, it can reveal up to an estimated three-month period for detecting drugs and alcohol intake. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for initial tests and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest assessing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. In the context of head hair, only scalp hair is considered. Body hair pertains to all other hair categories (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The primary segments in the lab handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is where a sample initially enters a lab’s protocol. It involves confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the specimen, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and processing any remaining data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening is a preliminary examination for the presence of illicit substances. Although Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug use for most specimens, a positive screening must be validated to be legally acceptable. Any samples flagged as potentially positive during Screening necessitate further verification.
Should a sample indicate a potential positive result during Screening, additional hair is gathered from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This stage involves pulling drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid analysis), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methods to conduct.
Verification of any positively screened samples is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumed positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests", the assessment scrutinizes the hair strand, not the root below the scalp.
In Shartlesville, PA, hair follicle testing offers advantages over traditional urine tests. The primary benefit comes from its superior detection period. Hair testing provides a broader overview of an individual's substance use history.
Unlike urine tests, which cover a shorter window, hair tests reach back 90 days to detect substance use accurately. This longer detection capability is invaluable for businesses and legal entities.
Employers in Shartlesville, PA, benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle drug testing. This method allows for drug use detection over a period of up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive view.
This extensive detection period is a key advantage, providing an all-encompassing analysis of an individual’s substance use history, which is crucial for informed employment decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Shartlesville, PA, is renowned for its tamper-resistant qualities. By reducing the risk of sample adulteration, it ensures unquestionable reliability.
The design of hair tests naturally prevents tampering, offering trusted results that stand above traditional testing methods prone to manipulation, thereby ensuring the integrity of the testing process.
Our network of testing centers across Shartlesville, PA, and nationwide ensures ease and accessibility for hair follicle testing.
The convenience of multiple locations allows for quick, hassle-free testing experiences, reducing wait times and travel burdens for both individuals and organizations alike.
In Shartlesville, PA, hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, the process ensures privacy at every stage.
This streamlined approach addresses any concerns regarding privacy, ensuring the individual's data remains protected while maintaining ease of use for all parties involved.
With competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in Shartlesville, PA, offer affordable solutions for companies.
The blend of cost-effectiveness and expedience provides value and peace of mind, making our services accessible and beneficial across various organizational sizes.
The hair follicle drug testing process in Shartlesville, PA, stands out for its speed and precision. These tests significantly enhance substance detection accuracy. Fast and reliable results make them a preferred choice for many employers and professionals.
Unlike many traditional methods, hair tests provide a seamless balance of speed and accuracy. This ensures that results are not only prompt but also exceedingly reliable, facilitating informed decision-making.
Employers in Shartlesville, PA, find peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method upholds compliance with drug-free workplace regulations, minimizing legal risks.
Using hair follicle tests enhances workplace safety by ensuring only compliant employees remain, thereby contributing to a secure and drug-free working environment.
