Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of drug and alcohol use by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can yield a detection period for drugs and alcohol of up to roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easily shippable.
A 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It is suggested to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a sample into lab systems. This incorporates verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not encompassed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for substance abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage in most cases, confirmation is needed for a positive screen to hold up in legal contexts. Samples with presumptive positives from Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, more hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration than other methodologies (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screen is undertaken via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in alignment with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly dubbed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure itself assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Glendale, PA
Hair testing outperforms traditional urine tests in detecting drug use over extended periods with enhanced accuracy and dependability. Its superior detection capability provides a clearer assessment of substance use, ensuring Glendale, PA employers better decision-making in maintaining a safe environment.
Extended Detection Window in Glendale, PA
Hair follicle testing excels with its extended detection window, tracing drug use up to 90 days. This allows employers and professionals in Glendale, PA to gain a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance history, aiding in informed evaluations and decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Glendale, PA
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests nearly eliminates the risk of sample manipulation, ensuring results that are trustworthy and incontrovertible. Glendale employers benefit from the robust integrity of these tests.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Glendale, PA
Enjoy hassle-free access to testing services via our expansive network of testing centers nationwide and locally in Glendale, PA. Simplifying the testing process ensures it’s quick, straightforward, and accessible for everyone.
Simple, Confidential Process in Glendale, PA
Experience a user-friendly, confidential protocol for ordering and receiving test results in Glendale, PA. Our methods respect privacy and ease-of-use concerns, facilitating a seamless experience from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Glendale, PA
Businesses benefit from our competitive rates and expedient turnaround times in Glendale, PA. Our cost-effective solutions ensure excellent value for organizations of all sizes, promoting financial flexibility and assurance.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Glendale, PA
Hair follicle drug tests stand for speed and precision, providing highly accurate results that detect substance use with confidence. Their methodology ensures reliable and fast outcomes, offering Glendale residents a trusted option in identifying drug usage.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Glendale, PA
Adopting hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal liabilities and supporting a safer work environment. Glendale employers achieve compliance effortlessly, securing peace of mind through reliable testing systems.
