What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands, hair records an extended history of substance use. When clipped near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol usage over a duration of up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A cutting of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hairs (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg—a perfect amount for preliminary and confirmatory tests. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advisable. Utilize a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. Should scalp hair be nonexistent, equivalent body hair may be utilized. References to head hair strictly imply scalp hair. Body hair extends to all other categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedures for processing a drug test outcome encompass four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the laboratory's framework. This step entails verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any requisite data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. Though cost-efficient in dismissing drug use in most specimens, a positive result necessitates confirmation for court admission. Samples presumed positive in Screening require further confirmation.

Upon a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair from the sample is prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated at lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing the most challenging to conduct.

Positive screening confirmations employ GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Extended detection period: Hair tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have more limited detection spans.
Challenges in deception: Cheating on a hair drug test is notably difficult, thus enhancing accuracy.
Historic usage data: It presents a pattern of drug use over time, rather than merely recent usage.

Limitations:

Incapable of detecting recent usage: Approximately 5-7 days are needed for drugs to be traceable in hair.
Expense: Hair drug analyses generally exceed the cost of alternative testing methods.
Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", they evaluate the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Chena Hot Springs, AK, the advantages of hair follicle tests over urine tests are clear. Hair testing excels in detecting drug use with heightened accuracy. This method's superior precision contrasts sharply with traditional urine tests, making it a more reliable choice. Employers and authorities increasingly opt for hair tests, valuing their comprehensive detection capabilities.

Hair testing's credibility stems from its consistent results in extended drug detection windows. This reliability ensures credible documentation in professional, judicial, and personal contexts. As a preferred testing option, the precision offered by hair analysis is a significant advantage over traditional methods.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Chena Hot Springs, AK, offers an extended detection window that stretches up to 90 days. This extensive period provides employers with a detailed understanding of an individual's substance history, surpassing the limited timeframe of conventional tests.

For employers, this wide-ranging detection capability facilitates informed hiring and management decisions. By revealing past substance use, hair testing assists in maintaining a drug-free workplace, supporting comprehensive and proactive employee assessments.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Chena Hot Springs, AK, hair follicle testing stands as a tamper-resistant solution to drug screening. The method's inherent resistance to sample adulteration ensures reliable results. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis provides a rigorous defense against attempts to compromise sample integrity.

This robustness in test integrity builds trust in the outcomes among employers and authorities. The reliability of hair testing minimizes concerns about manipulation, offering peace of mind through dependable and genuine data regarding substance use.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our testing locations in Chena Hot Springs, AK, and across the nation ensure a convenient experience for all clients. Efficient access to testing services provides quick and hassle-free solutions. The widespread availability of centers facilitates prompt scheduling, accommodating different client needs and timelines.

These accessible facilities minimize travel and logistical constraints, ensuring seamless testing procedures. This ease of access supports both individuals and organizations, streamlining the entire testing process from start to finish.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our process in Chena Hot Springs, AK, offers simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering a test to receiving results, every step emphasizes privacy. The streamlined procedure accommodates user-friendly scheduling and sample collection, guaranteeing ease and discretion.

Confidentiality is paramount in drug screening, and our approach upholds this standard. Clients can trust in a simple, effective process that prioritizes their privacy, offering peace of mind and a smooth experience in obtaining necessary results.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive pricing and rapid results define our services in Chena Hot Springs, AK. Affordable pricing structures cater to organizations of varying sizes, ensuring excellent value. Quick turnaround times further enhance our offerings, meeting the demands of fast-paced corporate environments.

Cost-effective solutions paired with expedited processing empower businesses to maintain efficient operations. Our services not only fit within budgets but also deliver timely, accurate outcomes, underpinning our commitment to quality and affordability.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Chena Hot Springs, AK, hair follicle drug testing offers rapid, precise results. Compared to other methods, these tests deliver high accuracy in identifying drug use, with a minimal margin for error. The streamlined process ensures timely outcomes, vital for employers and individuals seeking reliable data regarding substance intake.

With a focus on accuracy and quick results, hair follicle testing stands out as a top choice. This method's efficiency supports swift decisions, important in dynamic work environments and legal settings. The reliability embedded in thorough analyses enhances confidence in the findings, underscoring the test's efficacy.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Chena Hot Springs, AK, hair follicle testing fosters compliance and peace of mind for employers. This method aligns seamlessly with workplace drug-free policies, reinforcing legal safety and fostering a secure environment. Employers benefit from the assurance that their testing protocols are aligned with best practices.

Implementing hair testing mitigates legal and operational risks. By adopting this reliable method, employers enhance workplace safety, ensure policy compliance, and promote employee well-being, contributing to a positive organizational culture.