Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a robust method for detecting substance use, both drugs and alcohol. It serves as a long-term indicator by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. Samples taken near the scalp can reveal alcohol and drug presence over roughly a three-month span. This form of testing is easy to conduct, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair specimen of 1.5 inches, involving around 200 strands (similar in thickness to a number 2 pencil), amounts to 100mg, which is optimal for initial screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG assessments, additional tests, or panels exceeding ten substances, a 150mg sample is preferable. It's advised to measure the hair on a jeweler's scale. Absent scalp hair, a proportional quantity of body hair may be used. When referencing head hair, this pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four key steps in processing a drug test in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is entered into a laboratory’s database. This step ensures proper sealing and dispatch of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not supported by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary assessment for drug presence. Although cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most cases, positive findings in screening necessitate confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples flagged positive during screening must undergo further validation.
Should a sample test positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for the Extraction phase, where substances are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing particularly complex.
A confirmed positive screening outcome is verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed as required before confirmation. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under CAP (College of American Pathologists) standards and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Spring Ridge, PA, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine testing. The enhanced accuracy and reliability of detecting drug use with hair testing surpass urine tests, making it a superior choice for employers and legal authorities who value comprehensive and trustworthy results.
The extended detection period of hair follicle tests in Spring Ridge, PA, spans up to 90 days. This capability provides employers with a thorough insight into an individual's drug use history, enabling informed decisions about suitability for roles that require substance-free integrity.
With hair follicle testing in Spring Ridge, PA, the risk of sample tampering is significantly minimized. This testing method delivers reliable results, free from manipulation, ensuring that outcomes are authentic and unquestionable.
Our nationwide testing centers offer convenient access to hair follicle testing, including local facilities in Spring Ridge, PA. This makes it easy for individuals to get tested quickly and hassle-free, no matter their location.
The process in Spring Ridge, PA, is both simple and confidential, ensuring ease of use and privacy. Ordering, undergoing, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward, addressing any privacy concerns individuals may have.
In Spring Ridge, PA, our hair follicle testing services offer affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times. This provides excellent value for businesses, ensuring they receive results promptly without financial strain, therefore accommodating companies of all sizes.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests in Spring Ridge, PA, is unmatched. Their ability to quickly and accurately determine substance use offers significant advantages over other methods. Hair testing provides a high level of accuracy when detecting drugs, making it a preferred choice for safeguarding integrity in various settings.
In Spring Ridge, PA, employing hair follicle tests ensures companies comply with drug-free workplace policies. This approach reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, providing peace of mind to employers who prioritize a secure working environment.
