Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely regarded as an effective method for monitoring drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lengthy history of drug and alcohol usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken from the scalp area, hair can indicate up to a three-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and it is simple to ship.
A sample of about 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening plus confirmation. For EtG, add-on tests, or panels above 10, it is advised to have 150mg of the specimen. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair can't be collected, a similar quantity of body hair may be an alternative. The term head hair denotes scalp hair exclusively, while body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four central steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a specimen in a laboratory’s system. It covers confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid check for illicit drugs. While Screening is an economical way to indicate drug use on most specimens, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in legal settings. All samples that test positively in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), which is why hair drug screening is considered the hardest method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive specimen is cleansed before confirmation as warranted. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 benchmarks.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wyoming, PA
Hair follicle testing offers significant benefits over traditional urine tests. It boasts greater detection accuracy and reliability, making it a preferred choice for ensuring a drug-free environment. With superior sensitivity to substance presence, hair testing provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's long-term substance habits.
Extended Detection Window in Wyoming, PA
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection period of up to 90 days, allowing for a comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history. This approach helps employers in Wyoming, PA make informed decisions by understanding the long-term substance habits of applicants or employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wyoming, PA
Hair follicle tests are difficult to adulterate, offering highly reliable results. This testing method significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering, ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness in the outcomes for stakeholders concerned about substance abuse detection.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wyoming, PA
Our widespread network of testing centers ensures convenient access to services nationwide, including in Wyoming, PA. The process is streamlined for quick, easy, and hassle-free testing experiences, benefiting both individuals and businesses alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wyoming, PA
The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and maintains confidentiality, addressing any concerns regarding privacy. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are managed discreetly, providing peace of mind and ease for all our clients in Wyoming, PA.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wyoming, PA
We offer competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times, presenting excellent value and peace of mind for companies of all sizes. Our affordable rates ensure that businesses in Wyoming, PA can maintain workplace safety without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wyoming, PA
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled. These tests deliver highly credible results, reflecting accurate substance use detection, thus ensuring trust in the testing process. Clients in Wyoming, PA benefit from rapid results, crucial for timely decision-making in sensitive scenarios.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wyoming, PA
Implementing hair follicle testing helps maintain compliance with workplace drug-free policies, decreasing legal risks and enhancing safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing their workplace remains secure and staff policies are consistently upheld.
