Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fiber of the growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of up to 3 months for both alcohol and drugs, making collection simple, not easily tampered with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing around 200 strands of hair (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides roughly 100mg of hair, which is perfect for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests involving EtG, additional checks, or exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of sufficient scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair can be gathered. 'Head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of drug test results follows four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves entering a specimen into the laboratory's database. This step guarantees that the sample was securely sealed and properly dispatched. It includes assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) and completing any missing data entry that is not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial evaluation for drug abuse. Though a cost-effective method for eliminating drug use from most samples, a positive screening result must be validated for legal admissibility. Any sample yielding a presumptive positive result in Screening must undergo a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is considered the most complex technique.
To verify any positive screen outcome, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are employed for Confirmation. Presumptive positive samples are thoroughly cleansed before confirmation if needed. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation for ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Widely known as "hair follicle tests," these tests actually assess the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Santiago, PA
Hair follicle tests provide superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests. While urine tests detect recent drug use, hair tests capture a consumption history over months, offering a broader perspective. Useful in workplace and legal settings, hair testing's accuracy and long detection period make it preferable in securing compliance and trustworthiness.
Extended Detection Window in Santiago, PA
Hair follicle testing's ability to identify drug use for up to 90 days makes it invaluable for employers. This extensive detection window provides insights into a participant's long-term substance use patterns. In Santiago, such comprehensive data help ensure informed decisions about employees and applicants' suitability in drug-free settings.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Santiago, PA
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces sample adulteration risks, ensuring credible and reliable results. Unlike urine tests, which can be easily manipulated, hair tests in Santiago offer a robust solution against tampering. This trusted method eliminates doubts, furnishing employers and courts with reliable information essential for enforcing zero-tolerance policies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Santiago, PA
With numerous testing centers across the nation, accessing hair follicle testing in Santiago is straightforward and hassle-free. Our extensive network guarantees quick appointments and rapid results, all while maintaining convenience and accessibility for individuals and organizations seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Santiago, PA
The process for hair follicle testing is both straightforward and confidential. From order to result, the steps are designed to protect privacy and ensure ease of use. Santiago residents can rely on this discreet method, which respects personal confidentiality while delivering accurate and timely results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Santiago, PA
Our competitive pricing structure alongside swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing a valuable choice for companies. Santiago businesses benefit from budget-friendly costs coupled with rapid results, ensuring they can maintain drug-free policies efficiently and cost-effectively.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Santiago, PA
Hair follicle drug tests in Santiago offer unmatched precision and speed. Recognized for their accuracy, these tests quickly detect substance use, aiding employers in maintaining drug-free environments. Choosing hair testing ensures high confidence in results, highlighting its reliability over traditional methods. The swift turnaround time of results enhances decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Santiago, PA
Utilizing hair follicle testing secures adherence to workplace drug-free regulations, minimizing legal liabilities and boosting safety. For Santiago employers, this testing method brings confidence and a sense of security, knowing they are protecting both their staff and business integrity by ensuring compliance and fostering a healthy work environment.
