Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug activity, encasing biomarkers within the structure of the hair strand as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drug use. It is straightforward to collect, challenging to manipulate, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly matching the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal sample for screening and verification. For tests like EtG, add-ons, and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a corresponding amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where the sample is introduced into the laboratory's system. This includes ensuring the sample's seal and shipping integrity, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any remaining data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary fast assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is cost-efficient for negating drug usage on most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal acceptance. Any samples that test positive presumptively in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair in much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), affirming that hair drug screening is exceptionally challenging to execute.
Confirming any positive screen outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive are washed prior to confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although sometimes termed "hair follicle tests," the actual test evaluates the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Birdsboro, PA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Birdsboro, PA, offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. With a longer detection window, hair tests can uncover drug use months after substance intake, providing a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history.
Extended Detection Window in Birdsboro, PA
Hair follicle testing in Birdsboro, PA, excels with its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This method allows employers to gain a detailed understanding of an applicant or employee's drug history, highlighting a more accurate portrayal of their substance use over time.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Birdsboro, PA
Hair follicle testing in Birdsboro, PA, minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. The secure process delivers reliable and unquestionable results, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a trustworthy drug testing method.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Birdsboro, PA
Simple, Confidential Process in Birdsboro, PA
Our straightforward and confidential hair follicle drug testing process in Birdsboro, PA, addresses privacy concerns. From ordering to receiving results, the process ensures ease and confidentiality, safeguarding personal information throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Birdsboro, PA
Birdsboro, PA, offers competitive pricing for hair follicle drug testing, coupled with fast turnaround times. Providing excellent value, these services cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring cost-effectiveness and prompt results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Birdsboro, PA
Hair follicle drug tests in Birdsboro, PA, provide fast and precise results. With high accuracy, these tests effectively detect substance use over extended periods. Employing advanced technology, this method offers reliability and speed unmatched by other testing options, ensuring confidence in the results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Birdsboro, PA
Employers in Birdsboro, PA, benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This mitigates legal risks, enhances safety, and provides peace of mind in maintaining a compliant and secure work environment.