Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug usage by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected from near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month period of drug and alcohol detection. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to send for testing.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising around 200 strands of hair (approximately the circumference of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be lacking, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. When referencing head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair includes all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The essential stages involved in the lab processing of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This entails confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening represents an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug use in the majority of samples, any positive screen must be confirmed to stand in a court of law. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive result at the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a notably complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The end-to-end laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Edgewood, PA Hair tests surpass urine tests by offering enhanced detection accuracy and unwavering reliability. Employers and legal authorities favor hair follicle testing over traditional urine testing to identify drug use with greater certainty.
Extended Detection Window in Edgewood, PA Hair follicle testing unveils a comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history over the past 90 days, offering employers a valuable perspective on substance use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Edgewood, PA Hair follicle testing presents a formidable barrier to sample adulteration, ensuring that the results remain credible and authentic.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Edgewood, PA Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide offers hassle-free access to drug testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Edgewood, PA Our testing procedures are straightforward and private, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring user-friendly service.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Edgewood, PA Our competitive pricing and swift processing times ensure excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Edgewood, PA Hair follicle drug tests in Edgewood deliver quick and precise outcomes, ensuring a high level of accuracy. This method guarantees the effective identification of substance use, thanks to advanced testing technology.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Edgewood, PA By utilizing hair follicle testing, companies can effectively uphold drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and boosting safety.
