Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a significant instrument for recognizing drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives an extended timeline of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When gathered close to the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and various drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hairs (about the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional components, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise measuring the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be obtained, a similar volume of body hair is permissible. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair relates to any other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily encompasses four phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s framework. This ensures the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any other data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for illicit substances. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to negate drug usage in most specimens, a positive screen must be confirmed to be accepted in legal proceedings. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a specimen is tentatively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, substances are drawn out from hair at a much lower concentration than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most arduous method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentatively positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fairview, PA
Hair follicle testing offers notable advantages over traditional urine tests. The most significant benefit is its ability to detect drug use over a longer duration. This heightened accuracy ensures that employers receive more reliable information, providing greater assurance in maintaining a drug-free workplace in Fairview, PA.
Extended Detection Window in Fairview, PA
One of the prominent features of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This offers employers a broader view of an individual's drug use history, allowing for more informed decision-making processes regarding hiring and maintaining a drug-free environment in the workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fairview, PA
Hair follicle tests are designed to minimize the risk of sample tampering. This testing method provides results that are both reliable and difficult to question, granting employers peace of mind and confidence in the integrity of their drug screening procedures in Fairview, PA.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fairview, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation ensures that testing services are accessible swiftly and easily. Whether you are in Fairview, PA, or any other location, our services are designed to be hassle-free and convenient, meeting all your testing needs effectively.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fairview, PA
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving test results is straightforward and confidential. We prioritize privacy and ease of use, ensuring that clients in Fairview, PA, can manage their testing requirements without concerns about confidentiality breaches.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fairview, PA
We pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times. This approach delivers exceptional value to companies of all sizes, providing them with peace of mind along with budget-friendly drug testing solutions in Fairview, PA.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fairview, PA
Hair follicle tests are known for their exceptional speed and precision in detecting substance use. They provide highly accurate results, ensuring that employers and individuals can trust the outcomes. This superior detection capability makes hair testing a preferred choice for those seeking reliability and swift results in Fairview, PA.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fairview, PA
Implementing hair follicle testing enables employers to ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It not only reduces legal risks but also supports a safer working environment. Employers in Fairview, PA, can rely on these tests for maintaining peace of mind and upholding corporate standards.