Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the hair fibers. If collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to gather, minimally adulterable, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing roughly 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's recommended to weigh the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be secured, a comparable amount of body hair is permissible. Mention of head hair relates to scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in processing a drug test result in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s system. It involves verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for drug presence. Although Screening is economical for ruling out drug use in most samples, positive screens require confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples that test positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If Screening suggests positivity, additional hair is removed from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is critically evaluated, both under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, excluding the follicle situated under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Willowdale, PA
In Willowdale, PA, hair testing surpasses the traditional urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities and greater accuracy. Compared to urine tests, hair tests offer a longer detection window and are more resistant to manipulation, making them an ideal choice for accurate and reliable drug screening in various settings, including workplaces and legal scenarios.
Extended Detection Window in Willowdale, PA
Hair follicle testing in Willowdale, PA offers an extended detection window, up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive view of a person’s substance use history. This extensive timeframe is invaluable for employers who need a detailed analysis of an applicant or employee's past drug use, enhancing decision-making and ensuring workplace safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Willowdale, PA
Hair follicle tests in Willowdale, PA, are known for their tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This reliability ensures that the results are accurate and unquestionable, providing employers and authorities with the assurance of valid drug testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Willowdale, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers, both nationwide and locally in Willowdale, PA, ensures that quick and easy access to drug testing services is available. This convenience guarantees a seamless experience for those needing testing, regardless of their geographic location, making the process as hassle-free as possible.
Simple, Confidential Process in Willowdale, PA
The hair follicle testing process in Willowdale, PA is straightforward and maintains high confidentiality standards. From ordering to obtaining results, the process ensures privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns regarding the handling of sensitive information with care and professionalism.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Willowdale, PA
We provide competitive pricing and quick turnaround times on hair follicle tests in Willowdale, PA, ensuring that companies of all sizes receive excellent value. This combination of affordability and efficiency offers peace of mind and reliable service, supporting businesses in maintaining cost-effective drug testing programs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Willowdale, PA
In Willowdale, PA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their rapid precision in identifying substance use, promising reliable and quick results. The accuracy of these tests ensures confident detection of drugs, minimizing errors and ensuring trust in the outcomes provided to both individuals and employers seeking thorough testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Willowdale, PA
By utilizing hair follicle testing, employers in Willowdale, PA can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and enhancing overall workplace safety. This method provides peace of mind, knowing that thorough testing measures align with industry standards and safeguard the work environment.
