Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly viewed as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a chronic record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. When cut close to the scalp, hair samples can reveal drug and alcohol presence for up to approximately three months. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transportation is easy.
Taking a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 strands of hair (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp supplies 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, collecting 150mg of the sample is preferable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for precise weighing is advised. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When referencing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is integrated into a lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample is correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data in the absence of an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary scan for substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective method for ruling out drug use in most samples, confirmations are necessary for results to be court-recognized. Any samples that are provisionally positive during Screening require an additional confirmation step.
For samples that are provisionally positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair in concentrations lower than those possible through other means (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a complex procedure to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is managed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples indicated as presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hickory, PA
In comparison to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing presents a more robust and accurate detection method. While urine tests might miss recent or infrequent usage, hair tests offer superior reliability by capturing a history of drug use over several months, providing a more comprehensive view of substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Hickory, PA
Hair follicle testing stands out with its extended detection period, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This longer window provides employers a thorough understanding of an employee’s or applicant’s drug use history, facilitating better decision-making for hiring or workplace safety policies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hickory, PA
One of the key advantages of hair follicle drug testing is its resilience to tampering. The method greatly mitigates risks associated with sample adulteration, ensuring reliable, unquestionable results. This offers peace of mind for businesses and legal bodies concerned about the integrity of drug test results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hickory, PA
Our nationwide network of testing centers makes drug testing accessible and convenient. Whether you're in Hickory or beyond, easy access to hair testing services is always close by, ensuring quick and hassle-free testing procedures for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hickory, PA
The process of ordering and receiving hair follicle testing results is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Clients can have confidence in the privacy of their results, benefiting from a streamlined process that emphasizes user ease and data security.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hickory, PA
Our competitive pricing structure makes hair follicle testing an affordable option for businesses of any size, accompanied by fast turnaround times. This combination ensures that companies get both value and peace of mind when choosing our testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hickory, PA
Hair follicle drug testing offers a swift and precise means of detecting substance use. This method's accuracy ensures that results are not only quick but also dependable, providing clear insights into an individual's drug use history. When it comes to needing accurate drug testing results with fast turnaround times, hair testing is an excellent choice.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hickory, PA
Adopting hair follicle testing can ensure workplaces maintain compliance with drug-free policies. This approach not only mitigates legal risks but also enhances the overall safety of the working environment. Employers can rest assured knowing they are upholding a safe and compliant workplace.
