Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Fairbanks, AK

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has garnered recognition as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. As hair grows, it captures biomarkers within its strands, thereby offering a prolonged historical record of alcohol and drug use. When extracted near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of roughly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. It is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, ideal for both preliminary screening and subsequent verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, it's advisable to gather 150mg of the sample. A jeweler’s scale is recommended for exact weighing of the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may suffice. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair; while "body hair" encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

The key phases in the laboratory handling of a drug test result entail Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial phase, incorporating the entry of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step confirms the sample’s secure sealing and adequate shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any missing data points absent from an electronic chain of custody platform.

Screening acts as a preliminary assessment for the presence of intoxicants. Although Screening serves as an economical means to exclude drug usage from most samples, any positive result necessitates validation to be legally accepted. Samples evidencing a presumptive positive during Screening require subsequent validation.

Should Screening suggest a positive result, more hair is harvested from the initial collection for Extraction. This process involves isolating drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underlining the complexity of hair drug screening.

A confirmed positive from Screening undergoes verification via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive laboratory sequence, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair recognition and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug screens can trace drug usage up to 90 days post-consumption, in contrast to urine tests with shorter detection periods.
• Resistant to manipulation: The difficulty in deceiving hair drug tests enhances result accuracy.
• Retrospective use information: These tests chart drug use over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Recent use undetectable: Approximately 5-7 days are required before drugs become visible in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs compared to other testing methods.
• Variable outcomes: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fairbanks, AK

Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine testing methods. Its superior detection accuracy allows for the identification of substance use over an extended period, providing a full picture of an individual's drug history. Unlike urine tests, which are limited in scope, hair testing is more reliable and nearly impossible to adulterate, offering employers peace of mind.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Fairbanks, AK

Employers benefit from the hair follicle test's ability to detect drug use over a 90-day span, presenting a broader view of an employee or candidate's substance history. This extended detection period surpasses the limitations of other testing methods, delivering a more comprehensive analysis of drug use, which is crucial for informed decision-making in recruitment and ongoing employee management.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fairbanks, AK

Hair follicle testing is designed to minimize the risk of tampering, ensuring dependable and unequivocal results. The difficulty of manipulating or altering samples makes this testing method a trustworthy option. Businesses in Fairbanks can rely on its accuracy and integrity, knowing that the results reflect true substance use, thereby safeguarding against misleading outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fairbanks, AK

The extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including those in Fairbanks, provides unmatched convenience. This accessibility ensures timely, straightforward access to essential testing services without added hassle for employers and employees. Clients can expect seamless support and efficient service delivery across all locations, reinforcing ease of use and reliability in testing.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Fairbanks, AK

Ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is a straightforward and confidential process. This simplicity addresses privacy concerns while making the experience user-friendly. Clients in Fairbanks can expect discreet handling of all aspects, from test administration to results delivery, ensuring a seamless experience for those undergoing tests and their employers.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fairbanks, AK

Competitive pricing and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing a valuable choice for companies of various sizes. Fairbanks businesses can benefit from cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality or speed. This balance of affordability and promptness allows companies to efficiently manage their drug testing needs while staying budget-conscious.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fairbanks, AK

When it comes to detecting substance use swiftly and precisely, hair follicle drug testing is unparalleled. This method offers rapid turnaround times without sacrificing accuracy, ensuring employers in Fairbanks receive the information they need quickly. Its precision leads to highly reliable results, giving companies confidence in their hiring and monitoring processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fairbanks, AK

Embracing hair follicle testing assists employers in maintaining drug-free workplace policies, enhancing workplace safety and compliance. This method reduces legal risks and contributes to a safer working environment. By using hair tests, companies in Fairbanks demonstrate a commitment to employee health and organizational integrity, fulfilling their duty of care and regulatory requirements.

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