Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly viewed as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. As hair grows, it encases biomarkers from alcohol and drugs within its fibers, offering a prolonged history of use. When sourced near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug presence for nearly 90 days. Easy to collect, and less prone to tampering, hair samples are convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) near the scalp gives approximately 100mg, optimal for testing procedures. For EtG, advanced tests, and cases exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, an equal portion of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing encompasses four essential phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab's framework. It involves ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concluding any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for illicit substance presence. While cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most instances, a Screening positive must be validated for legal defensibility. Samples that test positive in Screening need further confirmation.
Should a sample yield a positive result during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods, such as urine or saliva, making hair drug analysis particularly complex.
Confirmation of positive results is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples showing presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Eddington, PA
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine testing. With higher detection accuracy, hair tests provide a more reliable assessment of an individual's drug use. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection window, hair tests can uncover drug use over a much longer period. Employers seeking assured outcomes prefer hair testing for its robust detection capability and reduced risk of manipulation, making it a superior choice.
Extended Detection Window in Eddington, PA
The hair follicle test stands out for its ability to detect drug use over a prolonged timeframe—up to 90 days. This extended detection window furnishes employers with a detailed view of an individual's substance usage history, surpassing the capabilities of standard urine tests. Understanding long-term drug habits is crucial for making informed decisions about potential hires or current employees, thereby enhancing workplace reliability.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Eddington, PA
One of the standout features of the hair follicle test is its resistance to sample tampering. Unlike other drug testing methods that are susceptible to adulteration, hair tests provide consistent and credible outcomes. This robust testing process significantly minimizes attempts of sample manipulation, ensuring that the results obtained are trustworthy and accurate—an essential aspect for credible drug testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Eddington, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures easy access to drug testing services, including in Eddington, PA. This wide-ranging availability facilitates a quick and hassle-free process, allowing individuals and companies to schedule tests at their convenience. The accessibility of local and nationwide locations underscores our commitment to providing efficient and accommodating testing solutions to meet diverse needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Eddington, PA
The hair follicle testing procedure is designed to be straightforward and discrete. From ordering the test to submitting a sample and receiving results, the process ensures privacy and simplicity. Concerns about confidentiality are addressed with secure handling of personal information, while the ease of use ensures that individuals can undergo testing without unnecessary complexity, maintaining peace of mind throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Eddington, PA
We offer competitive pricing structures for hair follicle testing, making it an affordable choice for businesses of all sizes. Coupled with rapid turnaround times, our services provide excellent value without compromising on quality or accuracy. Companies can benefit from the reliability of swift results, empowering them to make informed decisions promptly while managing their budgets effectively.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Eddington, PA
Hair follicle drug testing is known for its speed and precision. It allows the detection of substance use with high accuracy, ensuring quick and reliable results. This method is beneficial for those who need immediate verification, and its meticulous analysis guarantees dependable conclusions. With hair testing, one can trust the results to be both rapid and precise, thus meeting the demands of swift testing requirements.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Eddington, PA
Hair follicle drug testing delivers essential benefits to employers by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace mandates. This method aids in reducing legal risks associated with drug use among employees, thereby enhancing workplace safety and giving employers peace of mind. By choosing hair testing, businesses can confidently uphold their commitment to maintaining a secure and productive work environment.
