Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests are now recognized as an effective method for detecting substance use. Hair offers a prolonged record of drugs and alcohol by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Obtained near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol consumption for up to three months. They are straightforward to collect, less easy to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 hairs (about as thick as a #2 pencil) near the scalp produces 100mg, which is the preferred sample amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be obtained, a similar volume of body hair is acceptable. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in drug test result processing at the lab, which include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage of inputting a sample into a laboratory's database. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes necessary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening is an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. It's a cost-effective approach to dismiss drug use in the bulk of samples, yet a positive outcome needs validation for legal acceptance. Any samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
Presumptively positive samples in the Screening phase undergo additional hair extraction from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging technique to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the lab results are audited under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wilburton Number Two, PA
Considering the distinct advantages, hair testing offers more reliable insights compared to traditional urine tests. With detection capability extending across months, its capabilities in identifying sustained drug use are unmatched. This makes it a superior option for organizations needing a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance use history, ensuring safety and compliance.
Extended Detection Window in Wilburton Number Two, PA
Hair follicle testing presents a significantly larger detection span of up to 90 days, uncovering substance use patterns that shorter-term tests, like urine tests, might miss. This extended window provides a full-spectrum view of an individual’s behavior, thereby supporting employers in making informed decisions about potential or current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wilburton Number Two, PA
Hair follicle tests provide critical resistance to sample manipulation, substantially minimizing the risk of tampering. This robust approach delivers results that are both trustworthy and difficult to dispute, ensuring the authenticity of the findings and reinforcing testing integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wilburton Number Two, PA
Submit your tests with ease thanks to the extensive network of testing locations available nationwide. This ensures a seamless, quick, and straightforward process for individuals requiring hair follicle tests, enhancing accessibility to the services needed wherever and whenever required.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wilburton Number Two, PA
The procedure for ordering and conducting hair follicle tests is hassle-free and completely private. From the initial order to receiving the results, every step is designed to protect your privacy and maintain ease of use, ensuring confidence throughout the testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wilburton Number Two, PA
Benefit from competitive pricing models and rapid result processing that deliver exceptional value. Ideal for businesses across all sectors, these solutions ensure economic feasibility without compromising on the reliability and comprehensiveness of the testing outcomes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wilburton Number Two, PA
Hair follicle drug tests provide enhanced precision and swift results, ensuring the high accuracy required to effectively monitor substance use. Their ability to directly reflect an individual’s drug history through a longer detection window allows these tests to deliver results that are not only fast but reliable, offering peace of mind for all parties involved.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wilburton Number Two, PA
Using hair follicle testing fortifies compliance with drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal liabilities, and improving workplace security. It reassures employers that their workforce adheres to company standards, fostering a safer and law-abiding organizational environment.
