Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now widely regarded as a crucial resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of substance exposure by capturing biomarkers within the hair's structural fibers as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair samples can reveal drug and alcohol use over the past 90 days. This method is easy to collect, challenging to falsify, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. To conduct EtG, additional analyses, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the hair specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If head hair is unavailable, an equivalent measure of body hair can be substituted. In this context, "head hair" exclusively refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (including facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing a drug test result consist of four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s workflow. This process verifies that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening acts as an initial assessment for detecting drug misuse. Although Screening is an economical approach for clearing the majority of samples, a confirmed positive screen is required for legal validity. Samples indicating a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive outcome during Screening, a portion of the initial specimen is further processed for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than other testing methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis particularly challenging to execute.
Confirming any positive screening result is achieved through techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples indicating a presumptive positive result are washed accordingly. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets the accreditation for ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", this examination actually evaluates the hair strand itself, rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bradfordwoods, PA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing provides superior benefits. It offers enhanced detection accuracy, being able to reveal drug use even months after the fact. This reliable method is less susceptible to manipulation and ensures a comprehensive analysis of an individual's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Bradfordwoods, PA
Hair follicle testing stands out because of its extensive detection window, reaching up to 90 days. In Bradfordwoods, PA, this allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use over time, making it an invaluable tool for assessing potential and current employees' histories.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bradfordwoods, PA
One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing is its inherent resistance to tampering. In Bradfordwoods, PA, this method curtails the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring integrity and delivering unquestionable results that stakeholders can trust.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bradfordwoods, PA
Bradfordwoods, PA, benefits from our extensive network of testing centers. With locations scattered nationwide, including local sites, accessing our services is quick and hassle-free, making hair follicle testing both convenient and efficient for all users.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bradfordwoods, PA
The process of ordering, conducting, and obtaining results from hair tests in Bradfordwoods, PA, is straightforward and confidential. Concerns about privacy and ease of use are prioritized, ensuring a smooth experience for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bradfordwoods, PA
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times provide excellent value in Bradfordwoods, PA. Companies of any size can benefit from cost-effective, rapid services that deliver peace of mind with comprehensive results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bradfordwoods, PA
The precision of hair follicle testing in Bradfordwoods, PA, lies in its rapid and highly accurate detection capabilities. This method showcases its effectiveness in identifying substance use with remarkable accuracy. Results are delivered swiftly, allowing employers and individuals to make informed decisions quickly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bradfordwoods, PA
Employers in Bradfordwoods, PA, appreciate the peace of mind that comes with using hair follicle tests to align with drug-free workplace policies. This method aids in reducing potential legal risks while promoting a safer, more productive working environment.
