Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as a highly effective method for unveiling alcohol and drug consumption. Hair fibers capture a prolonged record of drug and alcohol usage by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When samples are collected near the scalp, they can reveal drug and alcohol use within an approximately 90-day period. Hair samples are straightforward to collect, resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample comprising around 200 strands (approximately equivalent to a #2 pencil's diameter) taken near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, suitable for both initial screening and confirmatory purposes. For EtG tests or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be gathered. The term "head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory's system. This encompasses confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-effective means to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
If a specimen tests presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid); this complexity makes hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation as needed. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing frequently outperforms urine tests in Hogatza, AK. Offering superior detection accuracy, it provides reliable results that urine tests can't match.
The extended detection period and difficulty in tampering make hair testing a preferred choice, offering comprehensive insights into drug use history over traditional urine analysis.
With an impressive 90-day detection window, hair follicle tests in Hogatza, AK, provide a broader insight into an individual’s drug use history.
This extended period allows employers to gain a more comprehensive view of their employees' or applicants' past substance use than shorter-term testing methods.
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration in Hogatza, AK, ensuring reliable outcomes. This method stands out as nearly cheat-proof.
With stringent collection processes, it’s harder to manipulate results, offering trustworthy and unquestionable conclusions for all stakeholders involved.
With testing centers spread across the nation, including in Hogatza, AK, Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient access to services.
Clients benefit from nationwide and local locations that provide quick, efficient, and hassle-free testing services catering to all logistical needs.
In Hogatza, AK, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, from ordering to receiving results, ensuring privacy is respected.
Clients will find the process straightforward, addressing concerns about confidentiality and ease of use, thereby making it an accessible option for all users.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and swift results in Hogatza, AK, providing excellent value for companies.
Our affordable structure and fast turnaround times ensure businesses of all sizes receive dependable services that offer peace of mind with no compromise on quality.
In Hogatza, AK, hair follicle drug tests are known for their speed and precision. These tests offer a high level of accuracy in detecting substance usage, providing reliable results swiftly.
The method delivers fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes, making it ideal for immediate decision-making. Such efficiency ensures that users get dependable insights into drug consumption patterns.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Hogatza, AK secures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, reducing potential legal risks.
Employers gain peace of mind, knowing this testing method reinforces safety and complies with regulations while helping maintain drug-free environments.
