Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows, hair offers a long-term view of alcohol and other drug usage. When obtained near the scalp, hair enables detection of alcohol and drugs for up to around three months. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent measure of body hair can be gathered. The term head hair refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result is comprised of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This step includes ensuring that the sample was securely sealed and correctly shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug usage in the majority of cases, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in court. Any samples that appear positive during Screening indeed require further confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a complex methodology to undertake.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing as necessary prior to confirmation. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is under review by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Coldfoot, AK
Comparatively, hair testing stands as the superior method for detecting substance use over urine testing. One key advantage is the extended detection times offered by hair follicle analysis. Unlike urine tests, which can only trace recent drug use within a short window, hair testing captures a more comprehensive picture of an individual's drug use history, offering more accurate and reliable insights.
The challenge of adulterating urine samples is entirely mitigated in hair testing, as hair samples cannot be easily tampered with or substituted. Thus, hair testing offers a robust and error-proof solution, assuring employers of authentic and consistent results.
Extended Detection Window in Coldfoot, AK
Hair follicle testing in Coldfoot, AK offers an advantageous detection window extending up to 90 days. This comprehensive period enables an in-depth look into an individual’s historical substance use, presenting a broader understanding than other methods like urine testing. Employers greatly benefit from the insights that span months, providing a clearer picture of an applicant or employee's habits.
Utilizing this method, companies can better assess potential risks associated with substance abuse. This extended window is particularly useful for maintaining a drug-free workplace and supports overall organizational safety and health strategies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Coldfoot, AK
One of the core benefits of hair follicle testing in Coldfoot, AK, is its inherent resistance to sample tampering. Unlike urine tests, hair samples cannot be easily adulterated. This secures the accuracy and integrity of the results, assuring employers that the findings are credible and reflective of true substance use patterns.
The resilient nature of hair sample testing eliminates common challenges faced with other testing methods, ensuring that the data collected remains intact and valid. This leads to enhanced trust in the results provided and diminishes the administrative burdens of retesting due to questionable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Coldfoot, AK
Boasting a network of locations across the nation and in Coldfoot, AK, our drug testing services are convenient and accessible. This wide-ranging reach ensures that individuals and organizations can engage in hassle-free and expedient sample collection and testing.
Our strategically placed centers guarantee minimal inconvenience, offering swift service tailored to meet the demands of businesses and individuals seeking reliable drug testing solutions. This accessibility contributes to effective and timely drug policy adherence.
Simple, Confidential Process in Coldfoot, AK
Accredited Drug Testing simplifies the hair follicle testing process, ensuring it remains confidential and user-friendly in Coldfoot, AK. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step is designed to protect privacy and ensure discretion, addressing the most common concerns regarding testing procedures.
Streamlined operations provide a seamless experience, helping individuals navigate the otherwise complex terrain of drug testing without worry. This approach assures users that their personal information is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Coldfoot, AK
At Accredited Drug Testing, we pride ourselves on offering competitive rates coupled with rapid results in Coldfoot, AK. Our affordable pricing approach aligns with our promise of delivering exceptional value without compromising service quality or speed of delivery.
Fast processing and quick turnaround are integral to our service, accommodating the needs of companies of all sizes. By providing economical solutions, we ensure that our testing services are within reach for every budget, guaranteeing peace of mind and efficiency at a reasonable cost.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Coldfoot, AK
Hair follicle drug tests excel in delivering swift, precise, and dependable results. These tests leverage advanced technology, ensuring a high degree of accuracy in detecting substance use. In Coldfoot, AK, our facilities are equipped to expedite the testing process without compromising reliability, reflecting our commitment to accuracy and rapid results.
Our testing methods are designed to identify even the slightest traces of substance use, providing results that organizations can trust. This ensures that decision-makers are informed with precise data, improving the efficacy of workplace policies and personal decisions regarding substance use detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Coldfoot, AK
Employers in Coldfoot, AK gain assurance and peace of mind when utilizing hair follicle testing to ensure adherence to drug-free workplace mandates. These tests significantly mitigate legal risks and reinforce workplace safety standards. By adhering to stringent testing protocols, organizations create environments that prioritize health, safety, and well-being.
Policies built around hair testing demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a drug-free workforce, reducing liabilities associated with drug use, and promoting enhanced productivity. The precision of hair testing helps align with legal requirements, providing compliant solutions for workplace management.
