Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands of hair retain biomarkers within their fibers, offering a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug usage. If hair is gathered near the scalp, it can reveal substance use over a detection span of as much as 3 months. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If no scalp hair is present, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. When we mention head hair, we are solely referencing scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (beard, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key phases in the lab processing of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step of integrating a sample into the laboratory’s system. It confirms the sample's sealing and shipping integrity, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any required data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial fast assessment for drug presence. Although cost-effective, Screening alone cannot confirm drug use for legal purposes; a positive screen mandates confirmation. Any samples that show a potential positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample is initially positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original collection for the Extraction process. This phase retrieves substances from hair at significantly lower concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluid analysis, making hair tests particularly challenging.
Positive results in screening demand Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Any virtually positive hair samples are washed before Confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated both under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and is aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Pros of Hair Drug Testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the strand and not the follicle within the scalp.
In North Braddock, PA, hair follicle testing is superior to urine tests due to its extended detection period. Hair tests provide a comprehensive evaluation of substance use over three months, unlike the shorter detection window of traditional urine tests.
The extended detection window presented by hair follicle testing in North Braddock, PA, is unmatched. By capturing a 90-day usage history, hair tests offer a comprehensive view of an individual's substance habits—valuable for employer assessments and policy adherence.
Comprehensive Analysis: This approach enables stakeholders to make well-informed decisions regarding potential hires and employee retention.
Hair follicle tests in North Braddock, PA, offer a tamper-resistant solution for drug testing. With a higher resistance to adulteration compared to other tests, these tests provide credible and verifiable results, maintaining trust and integrity.
Our network of testing centers in North Braddock, PA, and nationwide offers unrivaled convenience. With easy access to our services, clients enjoy a seamless and efficient testing experience, no matter their location.
In North Braddock, PA, the process for hair follicle drug testing is simple and confidential. From scheduling a test to receiving results, privacy is respected at every step, ensuring user confidence and satisfaction.
Affordable pricing in North Braddock, PA, along with rapid turnaround times, makes hair follicle drug testing an attractive option for businesses. This economical choice doesn't compromise on quality or speed, providing valuable services for enterprises of all sizes.
In North Braddock, PA, hair follicle drug tests offer fast and accurate outcomes. Due to their exceptional precision, these tests reliably detect substance use, ensuring no false negatives or positives. The speed with which results are processed allows both employers and individuals to make prompt, informed decisions.
High Accuracy is a significant advantage, as the robust methodology of hair testing minimizes error, providing assurance from the detection to the reporting phase.
In North Braddock, PA, hair follicle drug testing gives employers peace of mind, complying with workplace regulations for a drug-free environment. Minimizing legal risks and promoting safety, these tests help businesses adhere to lawful workplace practices.
