Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests are now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture long-term evidence of alcohol and drug usage by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers nearly a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair is missing, a similar volume of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we refer strictly to scalp hair, while body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug test processing involves four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory's system. This step verifies the sample’s correct sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening quickly assesses for drugs of abuse initially. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
For samples deemed presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before Confirmation as required. The entire laboratory journey from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Taylor, PA
Hair follicle testing stands as a superior alternative to urine tests because it detects drug use over an extended period and provides higher accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which have a brief detection window, hair testing reveals a more comprehensive history of substance use, offering employers enhanced reliability in evaluating candidates or employees.
The sophisticated design of the hair follicle testing process elevates the detection capability, making it more challenging to evade than urine testing. This method provides robust assurance, which employers and legal entities in Taylor, PA, increasingly rely upon.
Extended Detection Window in Taylor, PA
The hair follicle drug test offers a significant detection advantage by identifying drug use up to 90 days in prior, giving a detailed picture of an individual's history. This long-term window supports employers in assessing a potential hire's or employee's past drug use without the time limitations traditional methods may provide.
By leveraging the extended detection period, this testing mode ensures that substance use doesn't go unnoticed over the weeks or months leading to testing. With this clarity, employers can make well-informed decisions about their workforce.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Taylor, PA
Hair follicle testing effectively minimizes tampering risks, assuring that the results are authentic and reliable. Unlike urine tests, which are susceptible to adulteration, hair tests provide a robust and secure method in evaluating substnace use, thereby upholding the integrity of the results.
By implementing hair follicle testing, organizations not only enhance the credibility of their drug screening process but also ensure that their policies and compliance requirements are adhered to without fear of result manipulation.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Taylor, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers spread across the nation offers unmatched ease of access for individuals and businesses seeking reliable drug testing options. These locations, paired with local centers in Taylor, PA, ensure a straightforward and hassle-free testing experience.
Prioritizing convenience, we have guaranteed that our testing centers are within reach for all requiring secure and efficient testing. This accessibility enables swift scheduling and timely completion of tests.
Simple, Confidential Process in Taylor, PA
Our streamlined and confidential testing process ensures ease of order placement, test administration, and results collection. Each step prioritizes privacy, allowing participants to engage in the drug testing procedure with confidence and discretion.
Guided by simplicity, from booking the test to receiving the results, the process has been designed to address privacy concerns efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and service.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Taylor, PA
We present competitive pricing structures complemented by quick turnaround times, offering exceptional value to businesses of all sizes. Our commitment to affordability does not compromise the speed, ensuring swift and reliable access to drug testing results.
Providing rapid outcomes without inflating costs, we deliver peace of mind to companies, allowing them to quickly address their need for reliable substance use evaluations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Taylor, PA
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision in detecting substance use, offering quick and reliable results. Their accuracy surpasses more traditional methods, ensuring confidence in the results provided. The speed and precision of these tests make them an essential tool for entities requiring assured results.
The processing of hair follicle drug tests ensures speedy outcomes while maintaining high levels of accuracy. This dual advantage allows organizations and individuals to rely on the test results for informed decision-making regarding substance use assessments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Taylor, PA
Engaging hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies seamlessly, mitigating legal risks and fostering a safe working environment. It empowers organizations to protect their interests with straightforward adherence to established compliance standards.
The peace of mind offered by the reliability and thoroughness of hair tests aids employers in upkeeping robust safety standards. It eliminates the uncertainty associated with other testing methods, solidifying workplace security and employee trust.
