Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By binding biomarkers within the growing hair's fibers, hair offers a lengthy history of alcohol and other drug use. When collected close to the scalp, hair provides a detection window for alcohol and drugs of up to about 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample, approximately 200 hair strands (around the width of a #2 pencil), nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. The specimen should be weighed on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair only, while "body hair" includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps involved in processing a drug test result in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial sample processing into a lab's system. This stage involves checking if the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial speedy check for drugs of abuse. Screening is an economical way to rule out drug use in most samples, but a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening need a confirmatory test.
If a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation in Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are obtained from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is more challenging to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS and all samples that appear positive are washed before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While sometimes called "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis is on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Triumphs Over Urine Testing in Mercer, PA
Hair testing provides enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing identifies drug use over a more extended period, covering up to 90 days. This method offers superior insights, assisting employers and professionals in maintaining drug-free environments with higher precision.
Extended Detection Window in Mercer, PA
Hair follicle testing's ability to trace drug use over a 90-day period delivers a comprehensive assessment of an individual's substance history. This extended detection window allows employers to gauge an applicant or employee's long-term drug use, presenting a thorough view vital for informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mercer, PA
Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the possibility of sample tampering, offering reliable and indisputable results. This method reduces the risk of adulteration, ensuring that the conclusions drawn from tests are trustworthy for employers and officials who count on integrity in drug testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Mercer, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures simple, hassle-free access to drug testing services across the nation, including localized testing in Mercer. Employees and individuals benefit from the convenience and reliability of easy-to-access testing facilities, simplifying compliance with workplace requirements.
Simple, Confidential Process in Mercer, PA
The process of procuring, undertaking, and receiving results from a hair follicle test is straightforward and confidential. We ensure privacy at every step, addressing privacy concerns and easing worries with a discreet service designed to respect client security and convenience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mercer, PA
We offer competitive pricing models and swift turnaround times, guaranteeing incredible worth and reassurance for enterprises of various sizes. Our affordable testing solutions provide quick results without compromising on quality or efficiency, catering to budget-minded clientele.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mercer, PA
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched accuracy in detecting substance use. These tests are conducted efficiently, ensuring rapid results. The hair test's ability to provide quick and dependable outcomes is beneficial for employers aiming for trustworthy evaluations of potential hires or current staff.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mercer, PA
Employing hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to workplace drug-free initiatives, minimizing legal risks while boosting safety. It brings peace of mind by maintaining industry compliance, making sure that workers meet required safety and substance use standards.
