Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair ensures a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of nearly 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for testing and validation. For EtG enhancements and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It is suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When referring to head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair denotes any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Outline
The key four steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This process encompasses the verification that the sample was securely sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any supplementary data entry not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation to be acceptable in legal settings. Samples identified as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a further confirmation.
If a sample is marked presumptively positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations than in other procedures (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to hair drug screening being regarded as the most intricate methodology.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptively positive are cleansed prior to confirmation as deemed necessary. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Disadvantages:
Note: Though frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand, not the hair follicle positioned under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Willow Street, PA
When compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing demonstrates superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests uncover drug use over a broader timeframe and resist tampering more effectively.
Extended Detection Window in Willow Street, PA
The ability of hair follicle testing to reveal drug use for up to 90 days offers employers a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance history. This extended window is invaluable for making informed decisions based on an employee's past behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Willow Street, PA
Hair follicle tests shine in their ability to minimize the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable outcomes. These tests offer a level of reliability and integrity that is difficult to challenge, securing truly authentic results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Willow Street, PA
Our extensive network of testing facilities nationwide ensures simple, hassle-free access. In Willow Street, PA, testing centers offer quick service without inconvenience, making the process seamless.
Simple, Confidential Process in Willow Street, PA
Ordering, executing, and receiving hair test results is a straightforward and confidential procedure. With privacy concerns in mind, this seamless process provides ease for users.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Willow Street, PA
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times offer substantial value and reassure businesses of all sizes. The capability to deliver efficient results affordably ensures peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Willow Street, PA
Hair follicle drug tests offer exceptional precision and speed, crucial for identifying substance use. These tests boast remarkable accuracy, ensuring rapid results with high reliability, elevating them above traditional testing approaches.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Willow Street, PA
Hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to workplace drug-free standards, lowering legal risks and boosting workplace safety. This method provides assurance that company policies are upheld.
