Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can indicate up to roughly a 3-month period of drug and alcohol usage. Hair is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
A sample of 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent portion of body hair may be collected. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in processing a drug test result in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s system, ensuring it was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for drug presence. Though cost-efficient for eliminating drug presence in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for courtroom validity. All samples indicating potential positives in Screening require further confirmation.
For samples showing possible positives at the Screening stage, additional hair is drawn from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than with other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening exceptionally complex.
Validation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initial positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis concerns the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Brentwood, PA
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in several important areas. With a longer detection window, hair testing provides superior accuracy and reliability for identifying drug use. Unlike urine tests, which only capture recent usage, hair tests offer a deeper insight into one's substance use history, making them a preferred choice in Brentwood, PA for reliable drug testing.
The enduring advantages of hair testing can greatly benefit employers and legal systems.
Extended Detection Window in Brentwood, PA
Hair follicle drug tests boast a significant detection window, presenting a comprehensive view of an individual's substance usage up to 90 days prior. This extensive timeframe is invaluable for employers in Brentwood, PA, providing them with crucial insights into an applicant’s or employee's history of drug use. By opting for hair testing, businesses can make more informed decisions based on thorough testing data.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Brentwood, PA
Ensuring genuine and accurate results, hair follicle tests are inherently tamper-resistant. Unlike other methods prone to manipulation, these tests drastically reduce the risk of adulteration. For residents and employers in Brentwood, PA, this characteristic guarantees credibility and reliability, eliminating uncertainties found in other testing techniques.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Brentwood, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including local options in Brentwood, PA, ensures quick access to testing services. The convenience of having both local and widespread facilities means easy, hassle-free testing with expedient processing times. This network provides unparalleled access, streamlining the process for individuals and employers alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Brentwood, PA
Our testing procedure is both straightforward and confidential, ensuring participant privacy. For those in Brentwood, PA, ordering, undertaking the test, and receiving results involve a simple, user-friendly process built around protection of personal information. Step by step, the testing process is designed to offer both ease and discretion, instilling confidence in our services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Brentwood, PA
Offering competitive pricing and swift result delivery, our services guarantee quality and value in Brentwood, PA. Providing rapid turnaround times, our testing process is designed to keep costs reasonable, making hair follicle testing an attractive choice for businesses regardless of their size. These affordable options ensure that you are getting an excellent return on investment.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Brentwood, PA
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and swiftness in obtaining results. Speed and accuracy are highlights of this testing approach, ensuring any substance use is detected with high accuracy. For residents and employers in Brentwood, PA, this means access to one of the most dependable drug testing methods available today.
Intended to expedite decisions, hair follicle tests capture substance history with efficiency.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Brentwood, PA
Hair follicle testing helps maintain a drug-free workplace, supporting compliance with safety protocols. For employers in Brentwood, PA, deploying these tests reduces legal liabilities while enhancing workplace safety. By adopting hair follicle testing, businesses ensure not only adherence to policies but also peace of mind, knowing their environment is secured from substance-related risks.
