Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective instrument for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection range of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, quite hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimum sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be obtained. References to head hair pertain to scalp hair solely. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test is divided into four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves incorporating a sample into a laboratory’s system for the first time. This entails confirming the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial quick assessment for drug misuse. While Screening is a cost-effective approach to rule out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in court. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
If Screening indicates a tentative positive result, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than through alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentative positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory journey from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Typically dubbed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation itself scrutinizes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why choose hair follicle over urine testing in College, AK? Quite simply, hair tests offer unparalleled detection accuracy and reliability.
Compared to urine tests, hair tests provide a broader detection timeframe, ensuring no substance use goes unnoticed, hence enhancing the integrity of drug testing processes.
Hair follicle testing in College, AK, provides an extended detection window, offering insights into substance use over the last 90 days.
This extended period allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of a candidate or employee's substance history, supporting informed decision-making processes.
College, AK benefits from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests. These tests greatly mitigate the risk of sample adulteration.
The integrity of the hair test results ensures that the outcomes are dependable and beyond reproach, maintaining trust in the testing process.
Convenience is key with nationwide testing facilities, including in College, AK. These locations guarantee easy access to quick and efficient testing services.
The network of testing centers ensures that clients experience minimal hassle in arranging for and undertaking necessary tests.
In College, AK, the process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair drug test results is both simple and confidential.
This approach respects individuals' privacy and emphasizes ease of use, enabling a stress-free experience from start to finish.
College, AK benefits from competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times with hair follicle testing, reinforcing excellent service value.
This affordability and efficiency ensure that companies of all sizes can incorporate these services into their operations with confidence.
In College, AK, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast and accurate results. These tests provide precision and swiftness, ensuring that employers and authorities receive the most reliable data.
The accuracy of hair follicle testing in detecting substance use surpasses traditional methods, making it a top choice for those seeking dependable outcomes.
For employers seeking compliance and peace of mind in College, AK, hair follicle testing is a robust solution.
By aligning with workplace drug-free policies, employers not only minimize legal risks but also foster a safer working environment.
