Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient for shipping.
A sample of 1.5 inches length with approximately 200 strands of hair (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair, whereas body hair refers to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result involves four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial entry of a sample into the lab’s system. This step verifies proper sample sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any missing data not recorded by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick assessment for drugs of abuse. While cost-effective for eliminating drug use in the majority of samples, a positive result here requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptively positive samples in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
The Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, any presumptive positive samples are washed as required. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the complete laboratory process is reviewed under both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Swarthmore, PA, vastly surpasses urine tests in detection range and reliability. Whereas urine tests can be deceptive, hair testing provides an extensive analysis of substance use over time, ensuring a thorough review.
The superior benefits of hair testing include its broad detection window and less susceptibility to tampering. This comprehensive method offers unparalleled accuracy, making it the preferred choice over traditional urine tests.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Swarthmore, PA, offers a thorough view of drug use history, up to 90 days. This long-term analysis aids employers in assessing drug use trends over time.
Employers benefit from hair follicle testing’s long detection period, gaining a complete picture of an individual's substance habits. This approach helps make informed decisions regarding potential employees.
Hair follicle testing in Swarthmore, PA, minimizes the risk of sample tampering, providing incontrovertible results. The method's design inherently reduces chances of adulteration.
This effective testing approach guarantees reliability, as it diminishes opportunities for sample manipulation, ensuring results remain trustworthy and valid.
Swarthmore, PA, benefits from our expansive network of nationwide testing centers, providing seamless access to testing services.
The convenience of these facilities ensures quick and straightforward testing, minimizing any hassle for participants.
With numerous locations including those in Swarthmore, accessibility is never an issue, allowing for efficient and convenient testing experiences.
The process in Swarthmore, PA, for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step respects privacy concerns, ensuring peace of mind.
This private and straightforward process alleviates any concerns, offering an easy-to-navigate sequence from test initiation to completion, guaranteeing confidentiality throughout.
In Swarthmore, PA, our competitive pricing structure for hair follicle tests ensures affordability across businesses of all sizes. This cost-effectiveness complements our fast turnaround, bringing value and reassurance to our clients.
Affordable testing solutions paired with quick result times underscore our commitment to providing excellent service, ensuring companies receive the best value for their investment.
Precision and speed are hallmarks of hair follicle drug testing in Swarthmore, PA. These tests offer a highly accurate assessment of substance use, ensuring reliable results. Their capability to rapidly detect various substances makes them ideal for those seeking dependable testing solutions.
The effectiveness of hair follicle tests lies in their ability to deliver prompt and precise results. This method is trusted for its accuracy, providing unambiguous insights into an individual's substance use history.
For employers in Swarthmore, PA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal exposure and fortifies workplace safety through reliable screening.
Utilizing hair follicle testing enhances peace of mind, reassuring employers about adherence to legal norms while fostering a safer working environment.
