Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for monitoring drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow, hair offers a comprehensive history of drug and alcohol use. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can reveal drug and alcohol use over a span of approximately three months. Collecting hair is easy, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil) from the scalp offers a 100mg sample, ideal for both screening and confirming results. In cases involving EtG, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is preferable. It is advisable to use a jeweler's scale to ensure the specimen's weight. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be provided. For head hair, the reference is strictly to scalp hair. Body hair covers all other hair types such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The drug testing process in a laboratory is divided into four major phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is first integrated into the lab's system. This involves checking that the sample is correctly sealed and shipped, providing a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling any missing data that isn't included in the electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary test to identify drug abuse. While this step is cost-efficient for dismissing drug usage in most samples, any positive Screening result necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If Screening shows a presumptive positive, additional hair is acquired from the initial specimen for the Extraction process. This phase retrieves drugs from the hair at a much lower concentration than other methods like urine or oral fluid, affirming hair drug tests as the most challenging method to execute.
The Confirmation phase for any positive Screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples with presumptive positives are washed as required. The entire testing operation from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted in accordance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Juneau, AK
Extended Detection Window in Juneau, AK
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Juneau, AK
Hair follicle evaluations significantly minimize the risk of tampering, offering reliable results in Juneau. This method's resilience against adulteration provides organizations with irrefutable evidence of substance use or non-use, ensuring transparency throughout the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Juneau, AK
With extensive Nationwide testing facilities complemented by services in Juneau, AK, we guarantee seamless access to drug screening services. Our locations ensure swift, straightforward, and convenient services, catering to both local and national demands efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Juneau, AK
The process for ordering, administering, and receiving results from hair follicle tests in Juneau is streamlined and discreet. This protects personal privacy and ensures ease of use, providing individuals and organizations peace of mind throughout the testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Juneau, AK
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times offer excellent value for businesses in Juneau, regardless of their size. Prompt and cost-effective, our services cater to financial and temporal needs, enhancing both value and satisfaction.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Juneau, AK
The precision of hair follicle tests outperforms other forms of testing. In Juneau, AK, these tests are recognized for their speed and high accuracy rates, giving professionals trustworthy insights into substance use. Hair follicle evaluations swiftly reveal drug consumption patterns, ensuring that businesses and organizations can depend on the results' validity and prompt delivery.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Juneau, AK
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free regulations, minimizing legal exposure and fostering safer work environments. Employers gain peace of mind knowing that their drug testing protocols are stringent and comprehensive, underpinning a strong workplace safety culture.
