Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair provides an extended record of drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) collected closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement of the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. The term "head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" pertains to all other hair types (including facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The core steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning step involves incorporating the sample into the laboratory system. This includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening phase provides an expedited assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening effectively eliminates most instances of drug use, a positive result requires confirmation to be permissible in legal settings. Any samples testing preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen to prepare for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are separated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to methodologies like urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests and traditional urine tests in Chugiak, AK, the advantages of hair testing become evident. Hair testing offers more reliable detection accuracy over longer periods, proving superior to urine testing methods which do not have the same level of scrutiny and consistency.
Hair follicle testing in Chugiak, AK, provides a long detection window of up to 90 days. This extended timeframe helps employers better understand an individual’s drug use history, thus offering a detailed evaluation of substance use over time, beyond what shorter detection methods can offer.
Hair follicle tests in Chugiak, AK, significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering. These tests are inherently resistant to adulteration, ensuring that the results are credible and hard to dispute, providing peace of mind about the integrity of the findings.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including locations in Chugiak, AK, accessing drug testing services is effortless. This availability ensures that employers and individuals can readily obtain the necessary tests without the hassle of distant travel or delays.
In Chugiak, AK, the hair follicle drug testing process is simple and confidential. The entire procedure from ordering to receiving results is straightforward, safeguarding privacy and ensuring ease, putting any privacy concerns to rest.
For companies in Chugiak, AK, our drug testing services offer affordable pricing and fast results. This combination provides excellent value, catering to businesses of all sizes while ensuring quick turnaround times for drug testing needs.
Hair follicle drug tests in Chugiak, AK, are fast, accurate, and reliable. These tests provide precise results swiftly, ensuring substance use is detected efficiently and with high fidelity. Their reliability makes them a preferred choice in settings requiring stringent drug screening.
In Chugiak, AK, using hair follicle testing supports workplace compliance and peace of mind. This method helps enforce drug-free policies effectively, minimizes legal risks, and contributes to a safer work environment, reassuring employers of policy adherence.
