Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken from the area near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for evaluation and validation. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses any other type (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory handling of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of initially integrating a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This process ensures the sample was securely sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result needs verification to hold up in legal proceedings. Samples that appear positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
In cases where a sample appears positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. At this point, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to implement.
Verification of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples are cleansed as necessary before confirmation. From Accessioning to Verification, the entire lab procedure adheres both to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Landisburg, PA
In comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, hair analysis provides superior detection accuracy and reliability. It offers a broader detection window and is less prone to tampering, thus delivering more comprehensive results for discerning past substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Landisburg, PA
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window that can trace drug use over a 90-day period, offering a thorough view of an individual's substance history. For employers seeking a comprehensive assessment of a candidate's or employee's drug habits, hair analysis provides unmatched insight.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Landisburg, PA
Hair follicle tests present a tamper-resistant approach, significantly reducing the occurrence of sample manipulation. The integrity of hair tests ensures that the results are trustworthy and unquestionable, which is crucial for maintaining high testing standards.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Landisburg, PA
With numerous testing centers across the nation and locally in Landisburg, we offer quick and hassle-free access to your testing needs. Our widespread availability ensures that drug screening is both convenient and efficient, reducing the time invested in obtaining tests.
Simple, Confidential Process in Landisburg, PA
Our straightforward process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results ensures confidentiality and ease. Concerns regarding privacy and convenience are prioritized, making the testing experience seamless and secure for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Landisburg, PA
Offering competitive pricing and a quick result turnaround time, our hair follicle testing provides exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. Achieving peace of mind through reliable drug testing shouldn't break the bank, and our services are priced with affordability in mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Landisburg, PA
With state-of-the-art technology, hair follicle testing provides precision and speed in drug detection. Employers in Landisburg benefit from highly accurate results, ensuring reliable substance use identification. This method offers quick outcomes, minimizing downtime and enhancing efficiency in the screening process.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Landisburg, PA
Implementing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and promotes enhanced safety in the workplace, providing reassurance for both management and employees alike.
