Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. This method utilizes hair to provide an extended history of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the hair fibers as they grow. When hair is extracted adjacent to the scalp, it can offer about a three-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easily shipped.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil), taken closest to the scalp, yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for testing and substantiation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When we refer to head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, including facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug testing comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step in introducing a sample into the lab's system. This phase involves checking that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any supplementary information absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, cost-effective examination for drug misuse. While Screening efficiently eliminates drug use in most samples, any screen that turns positive needs verification to be valid in legal settings. Samples that show initial positive results require further confirmation.
In cases of a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is utilized from the original sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are retrieved from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation for any positive screen is performed using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive screenings undergo a wash before confirmation as needed. Each stage from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hyde, PA
Hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests with their superior detection accuracy and reliability. This method offers a more comprehensive examination of one's drug history, ensuring that employers and other relevant parties obtain reliable information. Hair testing provides a detailed insight into substance use, effectively catering to various drug-free policies.
Extended Detection Window in Hyde, PA
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect substance use over a much longer duration, often up to 90 days. This extended window offers employers a thorough understanding of an employee's or applicant's drug history, facilitating informed decision-making and maintaining workplace safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hyde, PA
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their resistance to tampering, significantly reducing the potential for sample adulteration. This method ensures that the results are reliable and trustworthy, providing peace of mind to employers and legal entities seeking accurate information on an individual's substance use history.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in Hyde, PA
Our expansive network of testing centers nationwide ensures that residents of Hyde, PA, have easy access to our services. The availability of local centers facilitates a swift and straightforward testing process, accommodating the needs of individuals and companies regardless of their location.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hyde, PA
The process for obtaining a hair follicle drug test is both simple and confidential, safeguarding user privacy at every step. From ordering the test to receiving the results, the procedure is designed to be user-friendly and discreet, ensuring that clients' concerns about confidentiality and ease of use are addressed.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hyde, PA
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times provide excellent value across all sizes of companies. The efficient service ensures that employers receive the information they need promptly, supporting effective decision-making while keeping costs manageable.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hyde, PA
Hair follicle drug tests offer swift and precise results, making them the ideal choice for detecting substance use. The high accuracy levels ensure that the results are dependable, catering to the needs of employers and legal institutions alike. These tests guarantee quick outcomes without compromising on the integrity of the information provided.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hyde, PA
Employing hair follicle testing enables organizations to adhere to workplace drug-free policies effectively. This testing method not only reduces the risk of legal challenges but also enhances workplace safety by ensuring that employees comply with established regulations, offering peace of mind to employers.
