Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly acknowledged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they develop. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use within a timeframe of up to around 90 days for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg, optimal for both initial screening and confirmation. To test for EtG, additional testing, and/or exceed 10 panels, collecting 150mg of the specimen is advisable. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key phases in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial phase where the sample enters the lab’s system. It involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial swift assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples identified as presumptively positive during Screening require additional confirmation.
When a sample is identified as potentially positive at the Screening stage, further hair is obtained from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening a notably challenging procedure.
Confirmation of any positive outcome from Screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to Confirmation, samples marked as presumptive positive are washed as needed. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Cape Pole, AK, hair follicle testing stands out with superior detection and reliability compared to urine tests. Its strength lies in its ability to uncover drug use over an extended period, unlike shorter-window urine tests. This thoroughness aids employers in making informed decisions, ensuring a drug-free workplace. Its high accuracy increases trust in the results yielded from the tests performed.
In Cape Pole, AK, hair follicle testing provides a substantial extended detection window, up to 90 days. This duration offers employers a broad view of an individual's substance use history, unlike other methods that cover shorter periods. By capturing a longer history of drug use, it empowers organizations with the necessary information for assessing applicant or employee substance profiles comprehensively.
Hair follicle testing in Cape Pole, AK serves as a strong deterrent against tampering. Its inherent design reduces the chance of sample adulteration, delivering dependable and unquestionable outcomes. This robustness ensures unparalleled integrity in test results, fostering confidence and security in the testing process for both individuals and employers.
With extensive nationwide testing locations, Accredited Drug Testing provides hassle-free access, including in Cape Pole, AK. This convenience allows for seamless scheduling, ensuring quick and efficient testing. The widespread availability of centers supports immediate testing needs, facilitating an effortless testing experience for candidates and companies alike.
The process of hair follicle drug testing in Cape Pole, AK is simple and confidential. From the order to the collection and the receipt of results, every step secures participants' privacy. Moreover, its straightforward nature fosters a convenient experience, addressing concerns over data confidentiality and user-friendly procedures.
Accredited Drug Testing in Cape Pole, AK offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our competitive pricing structures cater to companies of different sizes, providing exceptional value. Alongside cost-effectiveness, the quick processing times ensure that businesses can access reliable and timely testing results, promoting peace of mind.
Hair follicle drug tests in Cape Pole, AK offer fast, accurate results. They are designed to deliver precise detection of substance use, providing trustworthy outcomes. The advanced testing processes ensure rapid turnaround times, without sacrificing reliability. This efficiency makes them an ideal choice for urgent testing needs, offering detailed insight into substance use.
Employers in Cape Pole, AK gain compliance assurance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. It aligns with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal vulnerability and promoting a safe working environment. This testing method bolsters employer assurance with its stringent, observed, and accurate testing techniques, enhancing workplace safety and morale.