Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Candle, AK

What it is, How it works

The recognition of hair testing as an effective means to detect drug and alcohol use has grown. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the hair fibers as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug presence for up to a 3-month timeframe. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

To obtain an ideal sample for screening and verification, collect 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yielding approximately 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional measures, or testing exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to use a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

Laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab's framework. This involves confirming the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening serves as a budget-friendly measure to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result demands confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples indicated as positive during Screening require further confirmation.

In cases where Screening suggests positivity, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of any positive screen is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. As necessary, presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug usage for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter detection spans.
• Hard to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is exceedingly challenging, which enhances result accuracy.
• Trace historical usage: The test offers insights into drug usage patterns over time, beyond just immediate use.

Limitations:

• Ineffectiveness for recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and personal hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Candle, AK
In comparing hair and urine testing, hair tests stand out for their superior reliability. While traditional urine tests detect recent substance use, hair follicle tests cover a much longer detection window. This advantage offers detailed insight into an individual's drug history in Candle, AK, making hair testing a preferred option for thorough investigations over standard urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Candle, AK
Hair follicle testing’s main advantage lies in its extended detection period. In Candle, AK, this method reviews up to 90 days of substance use, offering a comprehensive view of a potential employee's habits. With such a significant reach, employers make more informed decisions, providing a detailed history beyond the short-term insights available from other test types.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Candle, AK
In Candle, AK, hair follicle testing provides a robust solution against adulteration. Unlike other methods, the testing process is immune to tampering, reliably maintaining the sample’s integrity. This ensures accountability and trust in results, eliminating the chances of falsifying outcomes and offering businesses and individuals dependable verification.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Candle, AK
Accredited Drug Testing offers Candle, AK, unmatched ease with nationwide assistance. Local testing centers ensure individuals and businesses have quick access to drug testing services. The convenience of these locations streamlines the process, providing an uncomplicated testing experience while maintaining rigorous standards.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Candle, AK
In Candle, AK, ordering and conducting a hair follicle test is straightforward. The confidential handling of samples and results ease privacy concerns. Our process is designed for maximum comfort; from taking the test to receiving outcomes, each step prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality for all parties involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Candle, AK
Candle, AK, businesses benefit from cost-effective and prompt hair follicle drug testing. Our competitive pricing does not compromise quality, making it accessible to companies of various sizes. Rapid turnaround on results minimizes waiting times, ensuring businesses can make informed decisions swiftly without financial strain.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Candle, AK
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision. In Candle, AK, these tests efficiently detect substance use, offering high accuracy rates. Faster results mean quicker decision-making, crucial for employers needing trustworthy data.
Their meticulous methodology provides consistent reliability, positioning hair follicle tests as a leading choice for accurate testing.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Candle, AK
Utilizing hair follicle tests in Candle, AK, aligns businesses with strict drug-free workplace policies. This testing method enhances employee safety and compliance with legal standards. Employers benefit from reduced legal exposure and greater peace of mind by adhering to rigorous testing protocols, ensuring a harmonious and productive environment.

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