Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The recognition of hair testing as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol use has increased significantly. Hair serves as a repository for a continuous record of substance intake by incorporating markers within the strands as they grow. A sample collected near the scalp can indicate drug and alcohol usage over a period of roughly three months. It's easy to collect hair samples, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp, yields 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, extended panels, or more than 10 tests, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair may be utilized. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the laboratory consists of four crucial steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially logged into the laboratory’s system. This phase ensures the sample is correctly sealed and transported, a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is generated, and additional data entry is processed in the absence of electronic custody documentation.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. While it's a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, further corroboration is necessary for legal settings. Positive screenings proceed to a secondary confirmation.
Samples yielding positive results in Screening undergo further processing in the Extraction phase. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or saliva), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing.
Positive screen confirmations are performed using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples suspect to be positive are cleansed as required. The laboratory process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, is certified under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests," the examination focuses on the hair strand and not the subsurface follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Warrington, PA
Compared to urine tests, hair testing offers strong detection accuracy and reliability. Hair samples provide a broader window to detect substances, surpassing the limitations of urine tests' shorter range. This longer detection timeframe ensures a comprehensive analysis of substance use history.
The observed sample collection process ensures reliable outcomes, minimizing risks of sample manipulation that urine tests face.
Extended Detection Window in Warrington, PA
The unique advantage of hair follicle testing lies in its extended detection window. Capable of detecting drug use over a 90-day period, this method provides a thorough review of a subject's history.
This comprehensive overview empowers employers to make well-informed hiring decisions, ensuring the transparency of substance use histories in applicants and employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Warrington, PA
The design of hair follicle tests minimizes risks of sample tampering, offering reliable results. Unlike urine tests, these results stand strong against adulteration attempts, thus securing testing integrity.
This robustness guarantees high-quality findings, enhancing trust in its outcomes and ensuring confidence in the validity of test results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Warrington, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers simplifies the process. With facilities in all cities, including Warrington, access to testing is quick, easy, and hassle-free.
This convenience ensures that individuals and employers can swiftly undertake drug testing without logistical challenges, enhancing service accessibility.
Simple, Confidential Process in Warrington, PA
We offer a straightforward and confidential approach to drug testing. Ordering, sample collection, and results delivery are seamless, ensuring user privacy and ease.
This simplicity addresses any privacy concerns, providing a secure testing experience that values the confidentiality of each individual tested.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Warrington, PA
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times ensure value for companies of all sizes. We offer cost-effective solutions without compromising on speed or quality.
These advantages mean that regardless of business scale, users receive excellent service, prompting confidence in our pricing structures and timely result delivery.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Warrington, PA
Hair follicle drug testing epitomizes precision and speed. These tests deliver highly accurate results, offering a dependable measure of substance use. By processing samples efficiently, users receive results promptly, crucial for critical decision-making.
Moreover, the methodology of hair testing inherently enhances its reliability, mitigating errors common in other testing forms.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Warrington, PA
Hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, supporting compliance efforts. This method lowers legal risks associated with drug use and reinforces workplace safety standards.
Employers benefit from peace of mind knowing these robust procedures help maintain a safe, secure, and compliant work environment, reducing potential liabilities.
