Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Regarded as a robust mechanism, hair testing excels in detecting the presence of drugs and alcohol. Hair strands record a lengthy history of substance use as their fibers capture biomarkers during growth. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to about three months. The process of hair collection is straightforward, it resists adulteration, and allows for easy shipping.
Collecting a 1.5-inch sample of around 200 hairs, roughly the width of a #2 pencil, near the scalp results in approximately 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and verification. For EtG add-ons or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In instances where scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent measure of body hair can be used. Here, head hair signifies scalp hair alone, while body hair encompasses all other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of a drug test involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes integrating a sample into the lab's system initially. This step confirms the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performs any remaining data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assay for substances of abuse. Although cost-effective in excluding drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be validated to hold in court. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate a follow-up Confirmation.
Upon receiving a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This process extracts drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening a particularly challenging test to administer.
Confirmation of a positive screen result is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Any presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The complete lab process, ranging from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review as per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually targets the hair strands and not the follicles beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lakemont, PA
Hair follicle tests offer notable advantages over traditional urine tests in Lakemont. One key benefit is their superior accuracy and reliability in detecting long-term drug use. Unlike urine tests, hair samples provide an extended detection window, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of an individual's substance use history, thus making them a preferred choice for many employers and institutions.
Extended Detection Window in Lakemont, PA
In Lakemont, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection period, capturing drug use over the past 90 days. This longer window provides employers with a much clearer picture of a subject's drug use patterns, ensuring that they can make informed decisions based on a comprehensive look at the individual's substance history, which is impossible to achieve with shorter-term testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lakemont, PA
Hair follicle tests in Lakemont significantly reduce the risk of tampering and sample adulteration. The method's design ensures that it is difficult to manipulate, providing reliable results that stand up to scrutiny. This makes hair testing a reliable and trustworthy method for those concerned about the integrity of their drug testing processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lakemont, PA
With numerous testing centers across the country, including in Lakemont, getting a hair follicle test has never been more convenient. Our nationwide network facilitates easy access, ensuring that regardless of your location, you can obtain the necessary testing services quickly, without hassle, making the process smooth and time-efficient for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lakemont, PA
In Lakemont, ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle testing is straightforward and private. Our processes are designed to respect client confidentiality, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish. This simple approach addresses privacy concerns while making the testing procedure accessible and user-friendly for everyone.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lakemont, PA
Our competitive pricing structures in Lakemont ensure that businesses of all sizes can access high-quality hair follicle testing without breaking the bank. Coupled with a quick turnaround, this offering delivers excellent value, ensuring that companies receive the best service at an approachable cost while maintaining assurance in the test results' speed and accuracy.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lakemont, PA
The accuracy and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Lakemont are unmatched. These tests are renowned for their precise detection capabilities, identifying substance use with a high level of reliability. The swift processing times ensure quick results, making them invaluable for time-sensitive situations where prompt decisions are necessary.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lakemont, PA
Employers in Lakemont can rest assured with hair follicle testing's compliance assurance. This testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal liabilities and enhancing workplace safety. By embedding this method into their routine checks, employers gain peace of mind and a safer working environment for all employees.
