Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Homer, AK

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective resource for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. Hair retains a chronological record of substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of hair as it grows. With samples taken close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around 90 days for drugs and alcohol. Collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.

A specimen of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil thickness) adjacent to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory handling of a drug test result comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample within a lab’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary quick assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-effective method to exclude drug usage in most cases, a positive result from Screening requires confirmation to be valid for legal purposes. Samples that indicate a presumptive positive during Screening must go through secondary confirmation.

If a sample indicates a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction preparation. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.

GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are used to confirm any positive screening outcomes. Any samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before Confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests identify drug use up to 90 days, offering a longer period than urine tests.
• Challenging to falsify: It is exceedingly hard to deceive a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Supplies historical records: It outlines a drug usage pattern over time, beyond merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests cost more than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual hair growth variation can affect drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination is conducted on the hair strand itself and not on the follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Homer, AK, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by providing superior detection accuracy. Its enhanced reliability offers a significant advantage for employers and legal bodies.

By opting for hair follicle testing, more accurate and dependable results are achieved in Homer, AK, underscoring the test's effectiveness over urine testing.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Homer, AK, benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, revealing substance use history over approximately 90 days. This offers a more comprehensive analysis.

With a remarkable detection window, hair follicle testing in Homer, AK, provides in-depth insights into an individual's substance use history, spanning up to 90 days.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests implemented in Homer, AK, greatly minimize the chances of tampering, offering credible and unquestionable results, enhancing the test’s reliability.

The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Homer, AK, ensures the provision of unassailable and dependable results, bolstering confidence in its efficacy.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our nationwide testing locations ensure convenience for residents of Homer, AK, with easy access to our comprehensive testing services, making the process simple and efficient.

• Homer residents benefit from hassle-free testing experiences facilitated by widespread testing center availability.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Homer, AK, the process of ordering, undertaking, and receiving results is designed to be straightforward and confidential, preserving the privacy concerns of individuals.

• We ensure the confidentiality and simplicity of our testing procedures, respecting individual privacy throughout the process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive pricing and speedy turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Homer, AK, an accessible choice, offering great value and peace of mind to businesses of all sizes.

Companies in Homer, AK, appreciate the affordable rates and swift results, enhancing the value proposition of hair follicle drug testing.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests in Homer, AK, offer unmatched reliability. This testing method stands out for its ability to accurately detect substance use.

Hair follicle tests highlight their superiority in accuracy and speed, ensuring precise detection of prohibited substances for individuals undergoing testing in Homer, AK.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Homer, AK, find assurance in hair follicle testing, as it secures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thus minimizing legal risks and elevating safety.

Utilizing hair follicle testing in Homer, AK, helps employers adhere to drug-free regulations, reducing potential legal issues while promoting a safe work environment.

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