Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When clipped near the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 3-month detection span for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for screening and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, collecting 150mg of hair is advised. Employing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be taken. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into a lab's system. It involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result demands confirmation to be permissible in legal proceedings. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), accounting for the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive screen is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle itself beneath the scalp
Hair follicle tests offer numerous advantages over urine tests in Annette, AK. They deliver superior detection accuracy and reliability, which is vital for employers with strict drug policies. While urine tests detect recent drug use, hair follicle tests provide a broader timeframe for spotting substance abuse, aligning with zero-tolerance policies and offering a robust alternative.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Annette, AK captures a comprehensive view of drug usage over up to 90 days. Employers benefit from this extensive timeframe, as it reveals not only occasional substance use but also habitual patterns. This capability empowers decision-makers with insightful data about potential or current employees.
Hair follicle testing in Annette, AK is a tamper-resistant method. The collection process is conducted under observation, making it difficult for individuals to modify or adulterate the sample. This adds a layer of credibility and trust to the results, helping institutions and businesses maintain a drug-free environment.
With a broad network of nationwide testing centers and local accessibility in Annette, AK, individuals and businesses benefit from the convenience of obtaining hair follicle testing services. This extensive reach guarantees that no matter where you're located, professional testing is both easy to schedule and hassle-free to access.
The process of obtaining hair follicle testing in Annette, AK is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the process is designed with user privacy and ease of use in mind, ensuring that your concerns regarding confidentiality are addressed at every step.
In Annette, AK, hair follicle testing is characterized by affordable pricing and fast turnaround. Not only do we offer competitive pricing structures, but we also provide prompt results, delivering excellent value for companies of all sizes and enhancing operational efficiency with reduced waiting times.
Hair follicle drug testing in Annette, AK provides fast & reliable results. The process is efficient at detecting substance abuse with high accuracy. Compared to other testing methods, its ability to reflect prolonged substance use patterns makes it invaluable for ensuring compliance and safety in various settings, such as workplaces and legal environments.
By adopting hair follicle tests, employers in Annette, AK ensure compliance with drug-free policies and protect themselves from potential legal liabilities. This approach significantly contributes to maintaining a safe work environment, ultimately providing peace of mind and stability to both employees and employers alike.
