Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair retains a long-term record of drug and alcohol intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair sampling is straightforward, not easily altered, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) cut closest to the scalp provides 100mg, the preferred amount for initial testing and validation. For EtG confirmation or tests beyond ten panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair isn't accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" pertains to scalp hair exclusively, while "body hair" covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory steps for processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step of integrating a sample into a lab's system. This step includes confirming the sample was correctly sealed and transported, allocating a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any other necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid evaluation for drug presence. While Screening provides a cost-effective approach to exclude drug consumption in most samples, courts require positive results to be confirmed. Any samples that test presumptively positive at the Screening phase must undergo additional confirmation.
For a sample that tests presumptively positive during Screening, extra hair is collected from the initial batch to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations lower than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the more challenging methods to conduct.
For the Confirmation of any positive preliminary result, techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are applied. Every sample with presumptive positive results is cleaned before confirmation, as necessary. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditations.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," this test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Aurora Lodge, AK, hair follicle testing offers clear advantages over urine testing. Primarily, its superior detection accuracy and reliability highlight its effectiveness in identifying drug use patterns over time.
Unlike traditional urine tests, hair analysis is more adept at capturing long-term drug usage histories, providing a broader picture of an individual’s substance consumption.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Aurora Lodge, AK, doesn’t just offer an advantage; it’s revolutionary. It identifies drug use up to 90 days prior, allowing for a comprehensive review of an individual’s behavior.
Such an extended observation period enables employers to make better-informed decisions regarding their workforce and avoids recurring testing costs.
Hair follicle tests in Aurora Lodge, AK, minimize the risk of tampering or adulteration. The collection method deters any attempts to manipulate the sample, ensuring the results are genuine and can be relied upon.
The integrity of results is safeguarded through this tamper-resistant procedure, promoting confidence in the findings for employers and other stakeholders.
Our widespread testing centers provide convenience for Aurora Lodge, AK residents, offering smooth access to hair follicle testing services. Nationwide locations ensure that testing is swift and hassle-free.
Whether local or across different regions, our facilities are equipped to deliver quality testing services efficiently, reducing delays and promoting consistent service availability.
The process for hair follicle testing in Aurora Lodge, AK, is straightforward and confidential, addressing any privacy concerns individuals may have. Ordering, collecting, and receiving results is designed to be user-friendly and private.
With our approach, clients can trust that their information remains secure, ensuring a worry-free experience from start to finish.
With affordable pricing and quick turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Aurora Lodge, AK, is a cost-effective choice for businesses of all scales. The value offered is enhanced by the speed at which results are returned.
Competitive pricing helps organizations manage costs while benefiting from reliable and timely results, aiding in maintaining an effective workplace drug policy.
The hair follicle drug tests in Aurora Lodge, AK, provide fast and accurate substance detection results. Their precision in identifying the presence of drugs stands out, offering not only reliable data but also quick turnaround times.
With a reputation for high accuracy, hair testing ensures that results are dependable, enabling businesses and individuals to make informed decisions quickly and effectively.
Employers in Aurora Lodge, AK, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with workplace policies. This reduces legal risk and reinforces a drug-free, safer working environment.
By integrating hair testing, organizations can maintain regulatory compliance effortlessly, safeguarding their reputation and employee welfare effectively.
