Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When the sample is collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeline extending to around three months for drugs and alcohol. The collection process is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to send for analysis.
An ideal sample consists of a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair—perfect for both screening and confirmation procedures. For EtG, additional tests, or panels beyond ten, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" pertains to other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for drug test processing involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning concerns the sample's initial integration into the lab’s system. This step verifies that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data input missing from the electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a fast initial check for drug presence. While a cost-efficient method to exclude drugs in most samples, a positive outcome in Screening requires verification for court validity. Any initially presumed positive samples in Screening need further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, extra hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, the extraction of drugs from hair occurs at significantly lower concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Positive results from Screening are confirmed through processes such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation, as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, follows both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accreditation standards according to ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being frequently called "hair follicle tests", these tests actually analyze the strand of hair rather than the scalp-protected hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gradyville, PA
Hair follicle testing provides superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. With its longer detection window, it offers a more comprehensive view of an individual's drug history, making it preferable for employers enforcing strict drug-free policies.
Urine tests, although useful for recent drug consumption, cannot match the precision and extensive detection period provided by hair testing.
Extended Detection Window in Gradyville, PA
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing, up to 90 days, offers employers in Gradyville a detailed overview of an individual’s drug use history. This lengthy period is critical in assessing long-term drug habits.
Safe hiring decisions are more achievable as hair testing uncovers patterns of substance use, enhancing workplace safety and productivity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Gradyville, PA
Hair follicle testing is designed to significantly minimize sample tampering risks, offering reliable and uncontestable results. The testing method ensures integrity and credibility, crucial for accurate substance use detection.
Given its resistant nature to contamination, hair testing is ideal for rigorous drug testing requirements, ensuring dependable outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Gradyville, PA
Our nationwide network of testing centers, including those in Gradyville, ensures that drug testing is quick and easy to access. The local presence means hassle-free service, streamlining the testing process.
Individuals and businesses can benefit from this widespread availability, facilitating prompt service wherever and whenever needed.
Simple, Confidential Process in Gradyville, PA
The straightforward, confidential process of our hair testing services eases privacy concerns, ensuring a seamless experience from ordering to receiving results. Clients enjoy peace of mind with private handling of their sensitive information.
This client-centric approach prioritizes ease of use, enhancing user experience and satisfaction with direct processing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Gradyville, PA
Our competitive pricing structure, combined with swift turnaround times, ensures that businesses get excellent value for their investment. This cost-effectiveness meets budgetary needs without sacrificing quality.
Experience the confidence of reliable testing at prices that align with your financial goals, while maintaining high service standards.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Gradyville, PA
Our hair follicle drug testing in Gradyville offers fast and precise results, providing a high level of accuracy in detecting substance use. The testing process is swift, ensuring you receive reliable and timely information.
The technology used in hair drug tests delivers reliability, confirming an individual's substance use with precision. This efficiency in the testing procedure is advantageous for both individuals and organizations.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Gradyville, PA
Using hair follicle testing aids employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities, and bolstering workplace safety. This proactive approach provides assurance and peace of mind.
Employers can confidently adhere to industry regulations, secure in the knowledge that their testing methods are both effective and compliant.
