Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an influential approach for identifying both drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a repository for long-term consumption records by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When procured nearest the scalp, it can present a detection timeframe of nearly three months for alcohol and other substances. Collection is straightforward, manipulation is relatively challenging, and shipping is simple.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (roughly the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for examination and verification. For EtG assessments, additions, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in lab processing for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab's system, ensuring correct sealing and shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data not available through an electronic custody chain.
Screening includes a preliminary inspection for abused drugs. Although cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen warrants confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples tentatively positive after Screening require further confirmation.
Should the Screening phase yield a presumptive positive, additional hair from the initial sample is prepped for Extraction. This process isolates drugs from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug testing poses a higher challenge.
Confirmation for any positive found in Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Before verification, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test targets the hair shaft, not the scalp-based hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ernest, PA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. The extended detection window and lower likelihood of tampering make hair testing a preferred choice for many organizations and legal entities.
Extended Detection Window in Ernest, PA
Hair follicle testing stands out with its ability to identify drug use over a longer duration, up to 90 days. This extended detection provides employers with detailed insight into an individual's drug use patterns, aiding in more informed decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ernest, PA
The hair follicle test's resilience against adulteration offers peace of mind with its tamper-resistant nature. The integrity of the test results assures all parties involved of their authenticity and reliability.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ernest, PA
With nationwide centers, accessing drug testing services is quick and convenient, ensuring an easy and hassle-free process for individuals and organizations alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ernest, PA
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and private, addressing users' concerns about confidentiality and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ernest, PA
Competing in pricing while offering rapid result delivery, the service provides exceptional value, supporting enterprises of various sizes in maintaining compliance without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ernest, PA
Hair follicle drug testing is celebrated for its precision and speed, quickly detecting the presence of substances with high accuracy. This method provides credible and dependable results, reassuring employers and individuals alike of its efficacy in substance identification.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ernest, PA
Implementing hair follicle testing aids companies in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, which in turn mitigates legal risks and promotes a safer working environment.
