What it is, How it works

Hair assessments are now recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures a long-term profile of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, not easy to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for screening and validation. For EtG, supplementary, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a recommendation of 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jewelerâ€™s scale to weigh the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, a corresponding quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the sample's initial integration into a laboratoryâ€™s system. This process verifies that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses supplementary data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an expedient preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-effective method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, any positive screening necessitates confirmation to be considered valid in legal settings. Any samples presumed positive during Screening need further affirmation.

Should a sample show a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at a notably lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.

Verification of positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes examination under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Prolonged detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for as long as 90 days, whereas urine tests have a reduced detection period.
Challenging to falsify: Hair drug tests are difficult to manipulate, ensuring more reliable results.
Offers historical insight: It outlines a pattern of drug consumption over time, not only recent activity.

Limitations:

Incapable of detecting recent activity: Drugs take roughly 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs compared to alternative drug testing methods.
Result variations: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the actual test scrutinizes the hair shaft rather than the scalp's hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fort Greely, AK.

Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy for identifying drug use over an extended period.
This method is more reliable, reducing the chances of false negatives and ensuring comprehensive results for better-informed decisions.

Ensuring that substance use does not go unnoticed, hair testing stands out as a pivotal method for maintaining drug-free environments.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Fort Greely, AK.

Hair follicle testing in Fort Greely, AK, captures drug use information over a much longer timespan, typically up to 90 days.
This capability allows employers to gain a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history, providing a fuller picture of their lifestyle choices.

As a result, employers can make better-informed decisions regarding hiring or continued employment, supported by historical data.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fort Greely, AK.

The hair follicle testing method significantly mitigates the potential for sample manipulation, making it a more secure option compared to other testing methods.
Its reliability assures that the results obtained are both trustworthy and resistant to tampering.

By employing this testing method, individuals and organizations can have confidence in the accuracy and integrity of their drug testing processes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fort Greely, AK.

Our widespread network of testing centers guarantees that professional hair testing services are always close at hand.

Individuals and employers in Fort Greely, AK, benefit from convenient access to reliable testing services, minimizing disruptions and facilitating seamless procedures.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Fort Greely, AK.

The process of scheduling, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle drug tests is designed to be straightforward.
Privacy is a top priority, ensuring that individuals undergoing testing can do so with the assurance that their confidentiality is respected.

This simple approach mitigates concerns about privacy and provides ease of use for all involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fort Greely, AK.

Our competitive pricing structures offer exceptional value to businesses, regardless of size.
The fast turnaround times of our hair follicle drug testing bolster decision-making processes and operational efficiency.

By combining affordability with rapid results, we ensure that employers can maintain drug-free environments without budgetary strain.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fort Greely, AK.

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Fort Greely, AK, ensure that results are as accurate as they are rapid.
By detecting substance use with heightened accuracy, hair tests provide a reliable assessment of an individual's drug usage patterns.

Employers and individuals benefit from the fast turnaround, knowing that they can quickly address any issues identified by the tests.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fort Greely, AK.

Utilizing hair follicle testing, employers in Fort Greely can ensure compliance with their drug-free workplace policies.
This reduces the risk of legal complications and enhances overall workplace safety and wellness.