Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair holds a prolonged history of alcohol and substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period extending up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the perfect sample size for screening and confirming. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in a lab involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial processing stage of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This includes ensuring the sample's seal and shipment were done correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick evaluation for drug abuse. While Screening is a low-cost means to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than utilized in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation if required. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Saint Clair, PA: Hair testing surpasses standard urine tests through superior detection accuracy and reliability. It offers a longer surveillance timeframe and is less prone to errors. Employers are shifting to this method for its effective drug use assessment compared to traditional urine-based tests.
Extended Detection Window in Saint Clair, PA: Hair follicle testing boasts a remarkable advantage with its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance usage over an extended period, offering insights not possible with shorter-window tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Saint Clair, PA: Hair follicle tests drastically reduce risks associated with sample tampering. The process is nearly fool-proof, ensuring results are indisputable and maintain integrity. Such reliability is vital for organizations prioritizing drug-free environments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Saint Clair, PA: Our expansive network of testing sites makes testing accessible and hassle-free across the country. Whether local or nationwide, the convenience offered by these centers ensures efficient and prompt service delivery.
Simple, Confidential Process in Saint Clair, PA: The process for ordering, undertaking, and obtaining test results is straightforward and confidential. Personalized service ensures privacy and ease of use, addressing any potential privacy concerns comprehensively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Saint Clair, PA: Our competitive pricing and swift result processing offer excellent value for businesses irrespective of size. Companies can rely on cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Saint Clair, PA: Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and quick turnaround in detecting substance use. Compared to other methods, they provide a higher accuracy rate, ensuring that results are reliable and trustworthy for both employers and individuals.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Saint Clair, PA: Using hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug policies. This not only mitigates legal liabilities but also fosters a safer working environment. Employers gain peace of mind knowing their workforce is compliant with drug-free regulations.
