Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains an extended timeline of drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair offers up to an approximately 3-month detection window for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped appropriately, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Despite being a cost-effective means to exclude drug usage for most samples, confirmation is required for a positive screen to be legally acceptable. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening need a secondary validation.
If a sample is tentatively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is gathered from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underlining why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentative positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation if needed. The whole lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the standard for ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Valencia, PA
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests by demonstrating superior detection accuracy and reliability. With extensive detection periods and infallible results, hair tests provide a clearer picture of an individual’s history, making them preferable over urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Valencia, PA
Hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection window, identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This allows employers to thoroughly assess an applicant or employee's substance history, ensuring informed hiring and retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Valencia, PA
Hair follicle tests in Valencia significantly minimize the risk of sample tampering. Their robust methodology ensures reliable and indisputable results, establishing trustworthiness for both employers and individuals under examination.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Valencia, PA
Our nationwide and local testing centers offer convenient solutions, providing easy, accessible drug testing services. Ensuring hassle-free experiences, these centers are strategically located for utmost convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Valencia, PA
The hair testing process is straightforward and confidential, ensuring privacy concerns are addressed. From ordering to receiving results, the seamless procedure guarantees an effortless and discrete testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Valencia, PA
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times offer exceptional value. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from our cost-effective services, receiving timely insights without compromising on quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Valencia, PA
Hair follicle drug tests provide unmatched precision in Valencia. These tests offer quick results while maintaining high accuracy, making them ideal for detecting substance use. Employers benefit from the rapid and assured outcomes of hair tests, enhancing decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Valencia, PA
Hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug policies, reducing legal risks and promoting a safe working environment. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing their workforce adheres to a drug-free standard.
