Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive timeline of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, a hair sample may provide a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, approximately corresponding to 200 strands of hair (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp will weigh 100mg, which is the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair might be collected. When indicating head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other varieties of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's framework. This step ensures the sample was securely sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial swift analysis for abused substances. Although Screening is economical for ignoring drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to hold up in court. All samples that appear positive in Screening demand a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at a far lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), rendering hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Any positive results from screening undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process 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: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
Extended Detection Window
In Westwood, PA, hair follicle testing provides a significant advantage with its extended detection window of up to 90 days. Such an extensive period allows for a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history.
Employers can feel assured that they gain a comprehensive perspective when evaluating potential hires or monitoring employees, ensuring workplace safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle drug tests in Westwood, PA, significantly decrease the chances of sample tampering, making it a highly reliable method.
By analyzing hair, which is less susceptible to adulteration compared to other testing samples, businesses and authorities can trust the results. This reliability is crucial for maintaining integrity in drug testing protocols.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Our widespread testing centers in Westwood, PA, offer unrivaled convenience, making drug testing a straightforward process.
Whether locally or nationally, our centers' accessibility ensures quick and hassle-free visits, encouraging routine testing practices with minimal disruption to daily schedules.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Westwood, PA, our hair follicle testing offers a streamlined and private process, addressing all privacy concerns effectively.
From ordering to result delivery, each step is designed with user confidentiality in mind, ensuring clients feel secure and confident while coordinating with our testing services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Our competitive pricing in Westwood, PA, alongside fast turnaround times, provides excellent value for all company sizes.
These cost-effective solutions ensure businesses can efficiently manage testing budgets without compromising on the speed and quality of results, further solidifying confidence in our services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
Hair follicle drug tests in Westwood, PA, offer unparalleled speed and precision in detecting substance use, setting the standard in accuracy.
The method guarantees rapid results, facilitating swift decision-making for employers and legal professionals. The high accuracy rate of these tests ensures that individuals who use substances are accurately identified, thereby enhancing trust in the testing process.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Using hair follicle testing in Westwood, PA, helps ensure compliance with workplace drug-free policies, providing peace of mind.
This method reduces legal liabilities and enhances workplace safety by effectively identifying employees who may pose a risk, thereby reinforcing a secure work environment.
