Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become a recognized method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug use by embedding markers in the strands as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period for alcohol and drugs lasting up to roughly 3 months. Hair is easy to gather, not easily tampered with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to use 150mg of the specimen. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, we're referring solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily consists of four phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase where a sample is ingressed into a laboratory’s framework. This process includes verifying the sample was appropriately sealed and delivered, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not provided via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a confirmed verification is necessary for a positive screen to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests as presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are separated from the hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methodologies (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening finding is implemented using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Waynesburg, PA
Hair testing trumps traditional urine tests thanks to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses cover a broader detection time, making them an ideal choice for employers and organizations seeking thorough results. Their intrinsic resistance to tampering ensures more consistent and actionable insights.
Extended Detection Window in Waynesburg, PA
Hair follicle testing shines in its ability to detect substance use over an extended duration, often up to 90 days. This provides employers with a comprehensive view of substance history, aiding in more informed decision-making when evaluating current or potential employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Waynesburg, PA
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their resilience against tampering. This robustness ensures that the results delivered are both reliable and unquestionable, offering stakeholders peace of mind with the knowledge that attempted sample adulteration is minimized.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Waynesburg, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures easy and hassle-free access to our services. Coupled with local availability in Waynesburg, PA, individuals can access testing without the usual logistical hurdles, promising swift and efficient service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Waynesburg, PA
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results is streamlined, emphasizing confidentiality and ease of use. Clients are ensured privacy at each step, addressing any concerns of discretion while guaranteeing a straightforward user experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Waynesburg, PA
Our pricing structures are competitive, and coupled with quick turnaround times, we ensure exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. This affordability coupled with speed delivers peace of mind and optimal results for all clients.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Waynesburg, PA
Hair follicle drug tests offer quick and precise results, delivering high accuracy in substance use detection. This testing method stands out not just for the speed with which results are obtained, but also for its unmatched reliability, offering clarity to individuals, employers, and legal entities alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Waynesburg, PA
Implementing hair follicle testing within workplace protocols promotes compliance with drug-free policies, reducing potential legal pitfalls. This not only enhances workplace safety but also assures employers they are upholding high standards of occupational integrity.
