Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to obtain, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, or when testing exceeds 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, we solely refer to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory's system. This step verifies that the sample has been properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for drug misuse. Although it is an economical method to discount drug use for most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the scalp's hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Callimont, PA
Hair testing offers superior accuracy and reliability over traditional urine tests. It can detect drug usage over a more extended period, providing better insights into long-term substance habits. This enhanced detection capability makes hair follicle tests a valuable tool for more thorough screenings.
Extended Detection Window in Callimont, PA
Hair follicle testing provides an unparalleled detection window, capturing drug use for up to 90 days. This comprehensive timeframe allows employers to gain a better understanding of an individual's substance use history, ensuring more informed decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Callimont, PA
The integrity of hair follicle tests is robust due to their significant resistance to tampering. This ensures that the results are both reliable and difficult to alter, providing an added layer of confidence in the authenticity and accuracy of the test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Callimont, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation ensures that testing services are easily accessible. This network allows for quick and hassle-free access to drug testing services, streamlining the process for individuals and employers alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Callimont, PA
The hair follicle testing procedure is designed to be straightforward and discreet. From ordering the test to receiving results, every step emphasizes confidentiality and simplicity, catering to privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Callimont, PA
Our competitive pricing structure combined with swift turnaround times offers excellent value. These benefits ensure that companies of all sizes can access reliable drug testing solutions while maintaining cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Callimont, PA
Hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering results that are both precise and expedient, making them highly effective in substance detection. Compared to other testing methods, the accuracy of hair tests in identifying long-term drug usage is unmatched, ensuring reliability and trust in the results provided.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Callimont, PA
By adopting hair follicle testing, employers can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks significantly. The reliability of these tests supports maintaining a safe work environment while reinforcing company standards.
