Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Seen as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol usage, hair testing captures a prolonged record by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of a growing strand. Collecting hair near the scalp can allow for a detection duration of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and conveniently shippable.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 strands of hair (akin to the diameter of a #2 pencil) from the scalp end will provide 100mg, which is optimal for analysis and confirmation. For EtG enhancements and/or examinations over 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair isn’t available, a comparable amount of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core stages involved in processing a drug test result in a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory's system. This encompasses verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any supplementary data input not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use for most samples, court-admissible results require confirmation of a positive screen. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening mandate an additional confirmation.
If Screening reveals presumptive positivity, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, hair undergoes drug extraction at a significantly lower concentration than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is highly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening outputs is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo a pre-confirmation wash as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the label "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ambler, AK
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests in several ways, offering better detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are limited, hair tests provide a broader detection window, making them a superior choice for those seeking comprehensive results.
Extended Detection Window in Ambler, AK
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests enables the identification of drug use over a span of up to 90 days, providing employers with valuable insights into an individual's substance history, crucial for informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ambler, AK
Hair follicle testing stands out with its tamper-resistant nature, minimizing the risk of adulteration. This method ensures that the results are both reliable and unquestionable, offering peace of mind to employers and testers alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ambler, AK
With our expansive network of testing centers, we ensure that accessing hair testing services is convenient and hassle-free. Our local and nationwide facilities provide quick and easy service, dedicated to meeting your testing needs efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ambler, AK
Our simple and confidential process makes ordering, taking, and receiving hair test results straightforward. Respect for privacy and ease of use is ensured at all stages, alleviating any concerns regarding confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ambler, AK
Offering competitive pricing and a swift turnaround, our hair testing services provide exceptional value. Companies of all sizes benefit from the affordability and rapid service we deliver, promoting peace of mind with every test conducted.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ambler, AK
Hair follicle testing offers precision and quick turnaround times, making it an accurate method for detecting substance use. This method is known for delivering fast and reliable results, helping individuals and organizations alike to make informed decisions swiftly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ambler, AK
Employers achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method minimizes legal risks and enhances safety, ensuring a secure work environment and providing peace of mind.