Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term indicators of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and various drugs. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be taken. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four core steps in the laboratory analysis of a drug test sample are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the initial integration of a specimen into a laboratory's system. This process involves confirming that the sample was securely sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic custody system.
Screening involves an early and swift examination for substance abuse. Screening is a budget-friendly strategy to eliminate drug usage in most specimens, though a positive screening requires confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples showing a provisional positive in Screening do require subsequent confirmation.
Should a specimen appear presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at markedly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis the most complex method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand, not the underlying hair follicle.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine tests in Grayling, AK, hair testing clearly surpasses urine tests in detection accuracy. The longer detection span makes it a favored choice among employers, ensuring a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance use history. This higher detection accuracy lends greater reliability to results, making hair testing superior to urine testing.
A significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Grayling, AK, is its ability to detect drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended detection window provides employers with a detailed look into an individual’s substance patterns, offering insights that urine tests might miss. It's a vital tool for comprehensive assessment.
Hair follicle testing in Grayling, AK, substantially minimizes the possibility of sample tampering. These tests provide reliable and authentic results that withstand challenges. By incorporating hair testing, the chances of adulterating samples are significantly reduced, enhancing the trustworthiness of drug test outcomes.
With our diverse nationwide network of testing centers, including locations in Grayling, AK, accessing testing services has never been easier. This convenience ensures that individuals can quickly and efficiently undergo drug testing, without the hassle of long-distance travel or lengthy wait times.
In Grayling, AK, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and respects privacy. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving results, the whole procedure is designed to be simple and confidential, easing any concerns regarding ease of use and protection of personal information.
Our hair follicle testing service in Grayling, AK, boasts competitive pricing alongside fast turnaround times. Offering excellent value, we cater to companies of all sizes by delivering cost-effective solutions coupled with the reassurance of timely results, which supports budgeting and operational needs efficiently.
In Grayling, AK, our hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed. The tests' high accuracy effectively detects substance use, providing reliable results. This method of testing ensures that results are delivered promptly, making it an excellent choice for those needing fast, accurate assessments in substance testing.
Employers in Grayling, AK can rely on hair follicle testing to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only reduces legal risks but also fosters a safer working environment. By choosing hair testing, companies ensure they align with required standards, providing peace of mind.
