Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent tool for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can offer up to approximately a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively difficult to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the perfect sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It's suggested to weigh the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair might be collected. When mentioning head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the initial sample processing into a lab’s system. This step includes verifying that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. Even though Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug usage for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for preparation in Extraction. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at a noticeably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and follows the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels in Springfield, PA
Detailed Detection
Hair follicle testing offers unparalleled detection capabilities compared to traditional urine tests. With its ability to trace substances over a longer period, it ensures comprehensive substance use analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Springfield, PA
A Comprehensive Look
One of the main advantages of hair follicle testing is its extensive detection period. This feature enables employers to gain insight into an individual’s drug usage history up to 90 days back.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Springfield, PA
Secure Results
Because hair samples are less prone to manipulation, they guarantee integrity in testing outcomes. This reduces the likelihood of tampering and adulteration significantly.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Springfield, PA
Ease of Access
Our nationwide and local testing centers simplify the process, ensuring an effortless, efficient experience wherever you are, including Springfield.
Simple, Confidential Process in Springfield, PA
Streamlined Testing
Ordering and receiving drug test results is seamless and confidential, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring ease for all participants involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Springfield, PA
Cost-Effective Quality
We offer competitive pricing alongside speedy processing times, offering excellent value for businesses regardless of size or need.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Springfield, PA
Precision Matters
When accurate substance detection is vital, hair follicle tests deliver speed and precision. These tests ensure that every detection report is reliable and fast, offering peace of mind.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Springfield, PA
Ensuring Safety
Employers benefit from incorporating hair follicle testing into their procedures to ensure compliance with drug-free workplace mandates, which mitigate legal threats and boost workplace security.
