Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is acknowledged as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug history by locking in biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strands as they grow. Collected near the scalp, hair has the potential to reveal drug and alcohol presence for up to about three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) cut near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For cases involving EtG, add-ons, or more than a 10-panel test, 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When citing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the beginning stages of introducing a sample into a laboratory's database. It includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any data not input through electronic chain of custody means.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for substance abuse. This process is cost-friendly for eliminating drug use in most samples, but a positive result must be verified to hold up in legal settings. Any samples with presumptive positives in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
For a sample indicated as positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original collection and readied for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is among the most challenging to conduct.
Confirmatory analysis of any positive Screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing positive are cleaned before confirmation if needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Vintondale, PA
Hair testing provides several advantages over traditional urine tests. The most significant benefit is its superior detection accuracy and longer detection window. Unlike urine tests, which might only cover a short timeframe, hair testing can reveal drug use history up to 90 days, offering a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance habits.
Extended Detection Window in Vintondale, PA
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection period, often reaching up to 90 days. This extended timeframe is crucial for employers seeking a detailed overview of an applicant's or employee's past drug use. With this test, organizations can better understand an individual's long-term substance use patterns, aiding in informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Vintondale, PA
The hair follicle test significantly reduces the potential for tampering, providing reliable and unquestionable results. This method diminishes the risk of adulteration common in other testing forms, ensuring the integrity of the sample collected and enhancing trust in the results delivered.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Vintondale, PA
Our testing network spans nationwide, with locations in Vintondale, PA, ensuring testing accessibility. This extensive network provides convenience, allowing for quick and hassle-free testing services, empowering individuals and organizations with readiness and flexibility when it comes to meeting testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Vintondale, PA
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. From scheduling the test to obtaining results, the platform prioritizes privacy and ease of use, addressing concerns regarding confidentiality while ensuring a seamless experience throughout the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Vintondale, PA
We offer competitive pricing structures alongside swift turnaround times. This combination delivers exceptional value, catering to companies of varying sizes. The cost-effectiveness of our services, coupled with quick results, ensures businesses can maintain peace of mind while managing their testing budgets effectively.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Vintondale, PA
Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and speed. It delivers accurate results swiftly, detecting substance use efficiently. Whether for employment or legal purposes, the reliability of hair testing offers peace of mind, ensuring that the results provided reflect true substance usage.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Vintondale, PA
Implementing hair follicle testing allows employers to remain compliant with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks. It promotes a safer work environment, ensuring that employees adhere to the standards set, thereby enhancing overall workplace safety and peace of mind for employers.
