Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a potent medium for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged history of alcohol and other drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the strands growing from the scalp. When collected close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to send.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of approximately 200 hairs (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, an optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample using a precision scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be utilized. When referencing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug test processing encompasses four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample's initial integration into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, attributes a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplementary data entry not provided through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid examination for drugs of abuse. Although a cost-efficient method to discount drug use for most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for courtroom admissibility. Any Screening-identified presumptive positives must undergo secondary confirmation.
For samples that test as presumptive positives in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair at lesser concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining hair drug screening’s higher complexity.
Confirmation of any positive screenings occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is verified under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the sub-scalp hair follicle
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bridgeville, PA Hair testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Detection accuracy is higher, giving it a reliability that conventional methods can't match. With a much longer detection window and resistance to tampering, hair tests provide comprehensive insights into substance use, making them superior for ensuring workplace safety.
Extended Detection Window in Bridgeville, PA The primary benefit of choosing hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Covering up to 90 days of potential substance use, it gives employers a comprehensive view of an individual’s drug history. This lengthy time frame offers a more thorough understanding of an applicant's habits, enhancing the decision-making process.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bridgeville, PA Hair follicle tests are designed to be tamper-resistant, greatly reducing the chance of sample adulteration. The increased security and reliability of hair testing make it a dependable choice, with results that remain unquestionable. This is especially valued by employers who need to ensure strict adherence to drug-free policies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bridgeville, PA With nationwide centers and local facilities in Bridgeville, accessing hair follicle testing has never been easier. The accessibility of these centers ensures quick and hassle-free testing, providing an efficient solution for both employers and individuals who need prompt service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bridgeville, PA Ordering and taking a hair follicle test is simple and confidential. The process safeguards individuals' privacy, from scheduling to receiving results. The ease with which tests can be conducted addresses concerns, ensuring that clients can partake in testing with confidence and security.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bridgeville, PA Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing a cost-effective option for businesses of any size. Offering value without compromising on quality, our services ensure employers and individuals receive prompt and precise results, enhancing operational decisions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bridgeville, PA When it comes to detecting drug use, hair follicle testing stands out for its precision and efficiency. The accuracy of hair testing ensures that substances are identified promptly, providing employers and individuals with reliable information. The speed of obtaining results coupled with the test's high accuracy makes it a leading choice in Bridgeville.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bridgeville, PA Implementing hair testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace regulations, minimizing legal risks and fostering a safe work environment. Knowing that testing is both thorough and reliable provides peace of mind to employers who prioritize workplace safety and employee well-being.
