Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair contains a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection span of up to around three months for alcohol and other drugs. It is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and exams exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair might be used. In discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair alludes to any other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four critical phases in laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This incorporates verifying that the sample was securely sealed and correctly dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial quick assessment for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient manner to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result needs to be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples inferred to be positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and geared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower levels compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are washed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure assesses the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in South Uniontown, PA
Hair follicle testing demonstrates superior accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. It offers a comprehensive assessment, effectively screening for substance use over an extended period, ensuring no recent drug use is overlooked.
Employers and authorities prefer hair testing due to its robust nature, which provides an in-depth view of substance use patterns, unlike the limited detection window of urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in South Uniontown, PA
Hair follicle testing excels due to its ability to detect drug use over a longer duration—up to 90 days. This feature allows employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, deterring habitual drug use among staff.
Offering a wider time frame for analysis, hair tests remain unparalleled in their ability to deliver historical data, a valuable resource for employers focusing on long-term employee behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in South Uniontown, PA
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of tampering, safeguarding the integrity of drug screenings. This enhanced security makes it nearly impossible for individuals to alter or substitute test samples.
Employing a hair test ensures unquestionable results, aiding employers in enforcing drug policies without complications from adulteration or substitution attempts common in other testing methods.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in South Uniontown, PA
With testing centers nationwide, accessing hair follicle testing services becomes straightforward and hassle-free. Our widespread locations provide convenience, easing the process for individuals and companies.
The availability of local centers means quick access to high-quality testing services, ensuring results are accessible and timely, promoting seamless integration into organizational processes.
Simple, Confidential Process in South Uniontown, PA
Ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests involve a straightforward process. This simplicity is paired with confidentiality, assuring privacy and peace of mind.
From the initial request to the final reporting, our testing services are designed to protect individual details and streamline the experience, eliminating concerns about data exposure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in South Uniontown, PA
Our hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing structures, ensuring accessibility for companies of any size. Coupled with rapid turnaround times, this service provides exceptional value.
Businesses benefit from both cost efficiency and prompt results, enabling swift decision-making processes without compromising on thoroughness or reliability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in South Uniontown, PA
Hair follicle drug tests provide speedy results, delivering precision in detecting substance use. This advanced method ensures high accuracy, offering reliable findings for both employers and individuals seeking comprehensive drug screening.
By choosing hair testing, you gain the advantage of quick processing times without sacrificing the quality of results. This rapid turnaround is essential for maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in South Uniontown, PA
Implementing hair follicle testing helps employers comply with drug-free workplace regulations. This approach not only minimizes legal risks but also enhances overall workplace safety, essential for business operations.
Ensuring stringent adherence to zero-tolerance policies, hair testing promotes a drug-free environment, fostering a sense of security and confidence among employers and their staff alike.
