Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair strands offer a historical view of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the hair fiber as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair sampling is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch hair segment consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG testing, additional panels, and tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the hair. In cases where scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair is permissible. When mentioning head hair, this refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in laboratory processing for drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where samples are processed into the lab’s system. This involves checking that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial rapid test for drugs of abuse. While it economically rules out drug use in most cases, a positive result from Screening must undergo confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that test presumptively positive require further confirmation.
If a sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair analysis a challenging technique.
Confirmation for any positive results from Screening is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When it comes to drug testing in Ester, AK, hair follicle tests outshine traditional urine tests in several ways. They enhance detection accuracy and offer better reliability, making them the preferred choice for many organizations. Unlike urine tests, hair tests have a longer detection time and are less susceptible to tampering, ensuring comprehensive substance use assessments.
The hair follicle screening method in Ester, AK, shines with its prolonged detection period, capable of reviewing drug usage for up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers with a comprehensive account of a candidate or employee's substance habits, surpassing shorter-detection alternatives. This thorough historical insight into drug use is invaluable for making informed decisions.
In Ester, AK, hair follicle tests stand out for their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other testing methods, hair samples significantly reduce the possibility of sample adulteration or deceit. This minimizes the risk of unreliable results, offering unquestionable accuracy and dependability crucial for any drug testing program.
Our extensive network of testing centers, including facilities in Ester, AK, guarantees convenient access to drug testing services nationwide. This ensures a hassle-free experience for individuals and companies alike, with local centers simplifying the process and minimizing the time required to meet testing needs effectively.
In Ester, AK, our straightforward and confidential testing procedure ensures users' privacy and convenience. The entire process, from ordering tests to receiving results, prioritizes user confidentiality and ease of use, addressing privacy concerns efficiently and making participation accessible to all who require it.
Offering competitive prices and swift results, our hair follicle tests in Ester, AK, provide excellent value for organizations of any size. This dual focus on affordability and quick turnaround times helps ensure dependable services that meet corporate needs, delivering peace of mind without compromising on cost.
In Ester, AK, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its accuracy and speed. This method is highly precise in identifying substance use, providing reliable results rapidly. Its ability to detect a wide range of substances with exceptional accuracy ensures informed decisions can be made swiftly. This efficiency not only reassures users but also maintains integrity across workplaces.
Employers in Ester, AK, trust hair follicle testing to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, offering peace of mind. This method mitigates legal risks while elevating workplace safety. Implementing hair testing demonstrates a commitment to a safe and policy-compliant environment, boosting confidence among stakeholders.
