Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has earned recognition as a formidable method for detecting substance use, including drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a historical timeline of substances by embedding biomarkers in the filaments of the emerging hair shaft. When harvested near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for substances like alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to collect, relatively tough to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch portion of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for preliminary and confirmatory testing. In cases requiring EtG, additional components, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to collect 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair is acceptable. In our context, head hair refers strictly to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
There are four essential stages in the laboratory workflow for drug test processing: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial entry of the sample into the lab system, confirming proper sealing and delivery, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any supplementary data not recorded by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers a preliminary evaluation for substance abuse. Though Screening is an economical approach for excluding drug presence in most samples, a confirmed positive is needed for legal admissibility. Hence, any sample deemed presumptively positive in Screening mandates further verification.
If the Screening process suggests a possible positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for processing through Extraction. This stage involves drug extraction from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid testing), which is one reason hair drug screening presents the most challenging technique.
Any positive indicators identified during Screening undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Prior to confirmation, any presumptive positives are meticulously cleansed as required. The comprehensive lab procedure, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is thoroughly examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria alongside the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", this analysis actually focuses on the hair strands themselves, not the follicles beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Chickaloon, AK, triumphs over urine tests by offering superior detection and reliability. Unlike urine samples, hair tests reveal a comprehensive picture of drug use. Employers benefit from more accurate results, as this method is less susceptible to tampering. Thus, it ensures safer workplaces.
One key advantage of hair follicle testing in Chickaloon, AK, is its extended detection period. With a window of up to 90 days, employers gain a full view of an individual's drug history, as opposed to the shorter span urine tests offer. This feature aids employers in making more informed decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Chickaloon, AK, offer unmatched protection against sample manipulation. The inherent properties of the hair sample make it a formidable defense against tampering, providing reliable results. Such tamper-resistant testing ensures that findings remain honest and trustworthy.
Our presence in Chickaloon, AK, alongside a nationwide network of testing locations, guarantees convenience and accessibility. Whether local or across the map, our centers are strategically placed for quick and efficient service, minimizing hassle for all clients in need of testing.
In Chickaloon, AK, the process of hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to completing the test and receiving the results, every step prioritizes user privacy, making it easy and worry-free for individuals concerned about their personal data.
Our hair follicle testing in Chickaloon, AK, offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround. Competitive pricing ensures value for companies of all sizes, while quick results minimize downtime, providing companies with both cost efficiency and peace of mind.
In Chickaloon, AK, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and speed. Known for high accuracy, it surpasses other methods, detecting even trace amounts of substances efficiently. Results come quickly, which is crucial for both employers and individuals. With hair testing, you don’t waste time waiting, enabling faster decision-making.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Chickaloon, AK, helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies, ensuring compliance and reducing legal risks. With safer work environments, companies feel at ease knowing their workforce is free from substances, prioritizing peace of mind for all stakeholders involved.
