Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as a robust method for identifying substance use. Hair retains a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and narcotics by encasing markers within the strands as they grow. A sample taken near the scalp can reveal up to a 3-month period of substance exposure. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
An optimal 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the recommended quantity for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, enhancements, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a proportional amount of body hair may be used. Our reference to head hair strictly implies scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses various other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary procedures in processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the fundamental step of integrating a sample into the lab's workflow. This process encompasses ensuring the sample's securement and proper delivery, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not available through an electronic custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment to detect substance abuse. Although Screening offers an economical method to discount drug use for most samples, a confirmed positive screen is essential for judicial acceptance. All samples that initially appear positive in Screening mandate further confirmation.
In cases where a sample appears positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this stage, substances are isolated from hair at notably lower levels compared to other techniques (such as urine or saliva), reinforcing the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmatory testing for any positive screen result is conducted using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive lab method from Accessioning through to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outshines Urine Testing in Tafton, PA
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle tests demonstrate superior detection accuracy, making them an invaluable tool in identifying long-term substance use. With greater reliability, they greatly outperform traditional urine tests.
Prolonged Detection Period in Tafton, PA
Hair follicle testing excels in identifying drug use over an extended duration of up to 90 days. This allows employers and authorities to gain a well-rounded insight into an individual's substance use patterns.
Secure and Tamper-Proof Testing in Tafton, PA
Hair follicle tests minimize the chance of sample interference, ensuring that results remain dependable and credible. This makes it a trustworthy option for those serious about accurate drug testing.
Convenient Testing Sites in Tafton, PA and Beyond
With a broad network of testing centers nationwide, securing a hair follicle test is both quick and hassle-free, delivering services locally and across the country, ensuring simplicity and accessibility.
Easy and Private Process in Tafton, PA
From ordering to receiving test results, the hair follicle testing procedure is streamlined and private, safeguarding user confidentiality while delivering a user-friendly experience.
Competitive Rates and Expedited Service in Tafton, PA
Offering affordable pricing models and prompt result delivery, hair follicle testing guarantees great value, catering to the diverse needs of businesses of all dimensions.
Speedy and Precise Results in Tafton, PA
Hair follicle drug tests offer remarkable precision and swiftness, efficiently identifying substance use. Known for their high accuracy rate, these tests provide the reassurance needed to make reliable decisions in drug detection.
Assured Compliance and Employer Confidence in Tafton, PA
Incorporating hair follicle testing helps maintain adherence to workplace drug policies, minimizing legal concerns and bolstering the overall safety of the work environment.
