Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has increasingly been recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides an extended timeline of alcohol and drug use by capturing markers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect quantity for testing and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair might be used. When discussing head hair, the reference is to scalp hair exclusively. Body hair comprises all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab handling of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s workflow. This involves confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any further data recording not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial rapid inspection for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to disprove drug usage on most samples, a positive result must be authenticated for legal validity. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than through other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is regarded as the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples indicating presumptive positivity undergo a washing process before confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Jackson Center, PA
Comparing hair and urine tests highlights hair testing's superior detection precision and trustworthiness. Hair tests provide extensive detection windows, making them preferable for accurate substance use evaluation.
Employers and other entities benefit from this method as it reduces the possibility of cheating and offers more comprehensive substance use insights.
Extended Detection Window in Jackson Center, PA
Hair follicle testing is unparalleled due to its extended detection reach, up to 90 days, furnishing employers with a broad view of a candidate's or employee's substance use history.
This extensive period helps employers make more informed decisions, ensuring the candidates meet their standards for a drug-free environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Jackson Center, PA
Hair follicle tests dramatically lower the risk of sample tampering, delivering dependable and indisputable results.
This feature ensures that employers receive trustworthy results, reducing potential false negatives and ensuring compliance with drug-free policies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Jackson Center, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures quick and seamless access to hair follicle testing services without inconvenience.
In Jackson Center, PA, local access simplifies the testing process, offering hassle-free services to meet all testing needs efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Jackson Center, PA
We ensure a straightforward and private process for ordering, taking, and receiving test results, addressing privacy and ease-of-use concerns.
This simplicity assures individuals and companies alike of a discreet and user-friendly experience, enhancing confidence in the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Jackson Center, PA
Our competitive pricing structure and rapid turnaround times provide exceptional value, bringing peace of mind to businesses of all sizes.
Affordable testing solutions enable companies to maintain drug-free policies without financial strain, benefiting both the bottom line and workplace safety.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Jackson Center, PA
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched speed and precision in identifying substance use. Their high accuracy ensures reliable detection and leaves no room for error, making them an essential tool for employers.
With quick processing times, employers receive results swiftly, helping maintain efficient decision-making in hiring and employee monitoring.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Jackson Center, PA
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to workplace drug-free policies, decreasing legal risks and fostering workplace safety.
This approach not only reinforces policy compliance but also cultivates a safer working environment and peace of mind for employers.
