Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair analysis has gained recognition as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance intake by encasing biomarkers within the growing strands. When procured near the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol use for up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, deemed the perfect quantity for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional testing, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair specimen is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the hair specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be used. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair forms (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing drug test specimens consist of four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the preliminary step where the sample is integrated into the lab’s system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipment of the specimen, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for substance abuse detection. Although Screening efficiently excludes drug presence in most samples economically, a positive screening result requires further Confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples that exhibit a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate a secondary validation.
For samples suspected to be positive during the Screening stage, an additional portion of hair is extracted from the initial sample and made ready for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are isolated from hair at a far lower concentration compared to other methods (i.e., urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of each positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The entirety of the laboratory procedures from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on analyzing the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the skin
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Alcan, AK
Hair testing offers a prolonged detection window unmatched by urine tests, capturing substance use up to 90 days prior. This expanded timespan allows for better understanding of an individual's drug history.
Hair tests excel in accuracy and reliability, significantly reducing the chances of adulteration or evasion, thus rendering them a superior choice over urine analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Alcan, AK
Hair follicle testing stands out due to its ability to reveal drug usage over a considerably longer period, up to 90 days. This comprehensiveness gives employers a better understanding of a person's substance history.
Such extensive detection provides a more complete view of behavioral patterns, aiding in making informed decisions within corporate structures and beyond.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Alcan, AK
The robustness of hair follicle testing makes it resistant to tampering, a critical factor for maintaining integrity in drug testing.
Its methodology ensures that collected samples are reliable and almost impossible to adulterate, delivering results that stakeholders can trust without reservation.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Alcan, AK
With a broad network of testing facilities across the nation, accessing testing services in Alcan, AK is seamless and efficient.
Our strategically placed centers ensure that both local and national clients can enjoy quick and straightforward testing experiences.
Simple, Confidential Process in Alcan, AK
The process of ordering a hair follicle test is designed to be simple and confidential, addressing any privacy concerns.
The straightforward procedure ensures individuals can confidently engage with our services, knowing their personal data is handled with utmost care.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Alcan, AK
Our testing services boast competitive pricing, enabling businesses of all sizes to access reliable drug testing options without financial strain.
The quick turnaround on test results further ensures that clients receive excellent value, allowing them to act promptly on the information provided.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Alcan, AK
Hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering precise and swift results. The high level of accuracy in detecting a broad range of substances is unmatched, providing detailed insights.
With quick processing times, individuals and companies can access results promptly. This ensures that decisions requiring immediate action are supported by reliable data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Alcan, AK
Employing hair follicle testing within the workplace guarantees adherence to drug-free policies, mitigating potential legal risks.
It contributes to a safer working environment, ensuring both compliance and peace of mind for employers concerned with the integrity and safety of their operations.
