Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Using hair analysis has become perceived as a potent tool for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-lasting record of alcohol and drugs by securing biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 3-month observation period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, fairly tamper-resistant, and effortless to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches containing roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and screenings exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If there is no scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be collected. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial process of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This step involves verifying that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry not included in an electronic custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is an economical way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening require further confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positive screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening a complex procedure.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation when required. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, as well as ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the scalp’s hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Triumphs Over Urine Testing in Clarendon, PA
The advantages of hair follicle testing over urine tests include superior detection accuracy and reliability. This method offers a comprehensive assessment of substance use, making it a preferred choice for employers keen on maintaining stringent drug-free policies and for legal authorities requiring precise drug use records.
Extended Detection Window in Clarendon, PA
Hair follicle testing provides insight into drug use over an extended timeframe, up to 90 days. This method enables employers to gain a thorough understanding of a candidate's or employee's substance history, aiding in informed decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Clarendon, PA
Hair follicle tests significantly curtail the possibility of sample tampering. This tamper-resistant method ensures the results are reliable and incontrovertible, offering peace of mind to those who depend on drug test accuracy.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Clarendon, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide facilitates quick and straightforward access to hair follicle testing services. Whether local or across the country, our centers ensure the testing process is seamless and efficient for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Clarendon, PA
The process of ordering, conducting, and obtaining results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential. This method addresses privacy concerns and is designed to ensure ease of use, providing comfort to those undergoing testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Clarendon, PA
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times make hair follicle testing an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. Offering excellent value, we ensure companies receive prompt and quality service without compromising on cost-effectiveness.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Clarendon, PA
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. They offer unparalleled accuracy in detecting substance use, proving to be a crucial tool for employers and authorities seeking trustworthy results without delays.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Clarendon, PA
Implementing hair follicle testing in the workplace helps ensure adherence to drug-free policies. This testing mitigates legal risks, boosts safety, and provides employers with the assurance that their work environment remains compliant and secure.
