Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as an extended timeline of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair offers a detection range of up to around three months for both alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, comparatively tamper-resistant, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (akin to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields about 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for diagnostic and confirmatory purposes. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advised to use 150mg of the sample. It's best to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair may be taken. When we mention head hair, we specify scalp hair exclusively. Body hair indicates all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core phases involved in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This step involves confirming the sample was suitably sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial fast evaluation for substances of abuse. Though Screening offers an affordable way to dismiss drug intake in most samples, a positive outcome must be corroborated to be valid in court. Any samples testing presumptively positive during Screening need additional confirmation.
In cases where a sample proves presumptively positive in Screening, excess hair is retrieved from the starting sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), contributing to hair drug monitoring being the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result takes place via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Throughout, all samples testing presumptive positive undergo washing as warranted before confirmation. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the scrutiny of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often described as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually inspects the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wescosville, PA
Hair follicle testing provides unmatched accuracy over traditional urine tests. It offers extended detection windows, ensuring a comprehensive review of substance use. While urine tests measure recent use, hair tests reveal patterns over time, benefiting employers and legal systems where long-term clarity is critical.
Extended Detection Window in Wescosville, PA
Unlike other testing methods, hair follicle tests cover up to 90 days of drug use. This extended timeframe gives employers a detailed view of substance habits, whether evaluating potential hires or current employees. The broader detection period supports informed decision-making in Wescosville.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wescosville, PA
Hair follicle tests minimize the likelihood of sample adulteration, providing unquestionable results. These tests are observed during collection, ensuring sample integrity. Their tamper-resistant nature supports confidence in drug testing outcomes, especially for critical hiring and legal assessments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wescosville, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures easy access, from distant cities to local spots around Wescosville. This convenience offers timely, effective drug testing solutions, allowing clients to engage in hassle-free screenings at any preferred location.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wescosville, PA
The process for conducting hair follicle drug tests is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to result retrieval, we prioritize privacy and simplicity to address any concerns, ensuring a stress-free experience for individuals and businesses in Wescosville.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wescosville, PA
Our competitive pricing and rapid result delivery are crafted to offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes. The quick turnaround assures fast decision-making, helping organizations stay efficient while maintaining high testing standards across Wescosville.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wescosville, PA
The precision and quick results of hair follicle drug tests stand out significantly. This method not only detects substance use efficiently but also offers high accuracy. Users benefit from results that reflect the true substance use history, making it a reliable choice for drug screening in various settings across Wescosville.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wescosville, PA
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain a drug-free environment, aligning with compliance standards. The assurance of monitoring over longer periods enhances legal security and workplace safety, reducing potential liabilities in Wescosville and beyond.
