Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) collected closest to the scalp can provide 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and in cases where tests exceed 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair may be obtained. When we mention head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair, on the other hand, encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result at the laboratory is comprised of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory's system. This process includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry that was not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial examination for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is an economical method for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive result must be verified for court submission. Any samples indicating a presumptive positive result in Screening require additional confirmation.
In instances where a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result in Screening is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing clearly outshines urine testing in Kotlik, AK, offering superior detection accuracy and dependability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests boast a much longer detection period, often revealing substance use patterns over months. Employers and authorities thus rely on hair testing for its ability to provide a complete substance history, minimizing false negatives and enhancing policy enforcement.
Hair follicle testing offers a remarkable detection window of up to 90 days in Kotlik, AK. This extensive timeframe provides employers with a comprehensive overview of an applicant or employee's substance use history. Such detailed historical data helps make informed decisions, protecting workplace integrity and ensuring safety standards are upheld.
The hair follicle test, a staple in Kotlik, AK, minimizes risks of sample tampering. This method's design resists adulteration, yielding reliable and unquestionable results. Unlike other methods, such as urine tests, the inherent security of hair testing safeguards the integrity of the results, ensuring accurate assessments every single time.
With our widespread testing facilities, including in Kotlik, AK, we ensure convenient and speedy access to hair follicle testing. Nationwide centers provide hassle-free service, whether locally or across the state. Through accessible locations, individuals and organizations can coordinate testing with little effort or delay, fostering a streamlined process.
In Kotlik, AK, initiating a hair follicle test is both simple and confidential. From placing an order to receiving results, privacy and ease of use are prioritized. The process is designed to address common privacy concerns while ensuring the clarity and simplicity needed for peace of mind during testing.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in Kotlik, AK provide excellent value for businesses of any scale. Quick results ensure companies can make timely decisions without financial strain, delivering both cost-effectiveness and assurance.
In Kotlik, AK, the precision of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched, ensuring fast, reliable results. These tests provide high accuracy, crucial for identifying substance use. The swiftness of results aids quick decision-making for employers and legal entities. By pinpointing even minute amounts of substances, hair testing stands as the most thorough method available here.
For employers in Kotlik, AK, hair follicle testing is pivotal for upholding drug-free workplace policies. By employing this method, companies reinforce compliance, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety measures. Employers can rest assured knowing that their work environments are secure, maintaining peace of mind for everyone involved.
