Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair retains a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug markers by embedding them in the strands of growing hair. If sourced near the scalp, hair can provide an approximate three-month window for identifying alcohol and drug usage. Hair sampling is straightforward to perform, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising around 200 hairs (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, considered ideal for screening and confirmation purposes. For tests like EtG, additional tests or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be accessed, a comparable quantity of body hair is an option. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about the initial handling of a sample into the lab’s records. This step entails confirming that the sample was securely sealed and shipped, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic custody system.
Screening conducts an initial swift examination for drug traces. While Screening is a cost-effective strategy to dismiss drug presence in most samples, a positive outcome necessitates confirmation to hold in legal contexts. Samples indicating presumptive positivity in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positivity during the Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. This is where drugs are isolated from the hair—at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluids—which makes hair drug analysis particularly challenging to execute.
Confirmation for any positive results from screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests," the focus is on analyzing the strand of hair rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to more traditional urine tests in King Cove, AK, the advantages of hair testing are clear. Hair tests boast a longer detection window, providing a more comprehensive overview of substance use habits. Additionally, they offer superior accuracy, capable of uncovering regular patterns of use rather than just recent activity.
Employers benefit from increased detection reliability, making hair testing a smarter choice.
Hair follicle testing in King Cove, AK, provides an extended detection window that covers up to 90 days of drug use history. This lengthened assessment period is invaluable for employers seeking a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's substance use over time.
The risk of sample adulteration is significantly minimized with hair follicle testing in King Cove, AK. This method offers a tamper-resistant approach, ensuring test results are accurate and trustworthy. The observed collection process adds an extra layer of reliability, reinforcing that the hair sample accurately represents the individual's drug use history.
With numerous testing sites available nationwide, including in King Cove, AK, accessing hair follicle drug testing is quick, easy, and convenient. Our robust network of locations ensures that you can efficiently secure reliable testing services without unnecessary travel.
Our platform for hair follicle testing in King Cove, AK, prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality from test ordering to results reporting. The process is straightforward, eliminating common barriers associated with complex testing protocols.
Hair follicle testing in King Cove, AK, is not only accurate but also competitively priced, aligning with various organizational budgets. The quick turnaround time assures prompt readiness for decision-making, providing clients with excellent value.
The hair follicle drug test in King Cove, AK, is renowned for its precision and rapid results delivery. The cutting-edge testing procedure is equipped to detect substance use with high accuracy, ensuring that employers have reliable data when making decisions. This process does not just speed up the wait time for results but enhances the dependability of outcomes.
Hair follicle testing stands out with a meticulous approach to detecting drug use, maintaining superior accuracy throughout.
Implementing hair follicle drug testing in King Cove, AK, supports companies' commitment to drug-free workplaces by ensuring compliance with necessary regulations. This proactive approach not only promotes a safer work environment but reduces legal liabilities for employers, offering peace of mind.