Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures long-term histories of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair strand's growing fibers. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and including about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar volume of body hair can be used. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, whereas all other hair (facial, axillary, etc.) is categorized as body hair.
Process Overview
The essential laboratory steps to process a drug test result comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial sample processing within a lab's system. This stage includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any extra data not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, it is crucial to confirm a positive screen for legal admissibility. All samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample return a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most complex testing method.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcomes is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicated as presumptive positive undergo washing prior to confirmation, as necessary. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is meticulously reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and is accredited per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly described as "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand rather than the underlying hair follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Floradale, PA: Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests by delivering advanced detection accuracy and reliability. Its superior capacity to identify substances is invaluable, giving employers a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Floradale, PA: Hair follicle testing captures drug usage over an expansive 90-day period, offering employers a thorough perspective on an applicant or employee's substance history. This extended window is crucial for ensuring a substance-free workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Floradale, PA: Hair tests are substantially less susceptible to sample tampering, providing results that are both reliable and indisputable. This integrity is essential for confident decision-making in drug use policy enforcement.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Sites in Floradale, PA: Our expansive network of testing centers nationwide assures quick and effortless access to drug testing services, with local convenience in Floradale enhancing accessibility for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Floradale, PA: Our straightforward and discreet process for ordering, conducting, and receiving test results prioritizes user privacy and ease of use. This ensures that all clients experience a seamless testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Floradale, PA: Our competitive pricing structure and quick result turnaround offer excellent value and peace of mind, making our services ideal for businesses of any size seeking dependable drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Floradale, PA: Hair follicle tests offer quick and precise drug testing, ensuring high accuracy in detecting substance use. This method provides reliable results, promptly available for employers and courts seeking fast verification of drug use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Floradale, PA: Implementing hair follicle testing supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, lessening legal risks and boosting safety. This testing method grants employers assurance in maintaining a secure and compliant environment.
