Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means of detecting substance use. Hair retains a longitudinal record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers during their growth phase. When harvested near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, comparatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for measurement is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a corresponding quantity of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is processed into a lab's system. This includes verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive screening results need confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptively positive samples during Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair from the original sample is used for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations lower than those found in methodologies such as urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive screening results is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is conducted within the standards of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", this test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing Hair follicle testing in Angoon, AK, outperforms urine testing due to its superior detection capabilities. While urine tests are suitable for short-term detection, hair tests provide a comprehensive history of substance use, offering a more reliable indication of long-term habits, which is invaluable to employers and legal entities.
Extended Detection Window One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing in Angoon, AK, is its extended detection window. Unlike other testing methods, hair analyses can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, giving employers a clearer picture of an individual's substance history, thus aiding in better hiring and monitoring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method Hair follicle tests in Angoon, AK, are favored for their tamper-resistant attributes. These tests greatly mitigate the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring the integrity of results. This characteristic provides assurance to employers that the outcome is accurate and unaffected by external manipulations.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations Accredited Drug Testing provides widespread convenience through its nationwide centers in Angoon, AK. Our extensive network ensures that all testing services are readily accessible, ensuring a smooth and trouble-free experience for those needing hair follicle drug testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process Our hair follicle testing process in Angoon, AK, is simple and discreet, focusing on privacy and ease. From ordering tests to receiving results, the steps are designed to respect confidentiality, ensuring participants feel secure and informed throughout the entire procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround In Angoon, AK, our hair follicle testing is known for competitive pricing and rapid result delivery. This combination of affordability and speed offers exceptional value, catering to companies of all sizes and providing reassurance with swift and reliable testing outcomes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results Hair follicle drug tests in Angoon, AK, offer prompt and precise assessments. Renowned for their accuracy in substance detection, these tests ensure a thorough analysis. Compared to traditional methods, hair tests deliver results that employers can trust, significantly reducing the chances of undetected substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers Hair follicle testing in Angoon, AK, assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing approach reduces legal risks associated with drug use in the workplace and enhances overall safety, offering employers peace of mind regarding workforce productivity and adherence to regulations.
