Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It can capture a prolonged history of alcohol and other drugs, as biomarkers are encapsulated within the fibers of actively growing hair. If taken near the scalp, hair may offer an approximate three-month timeframe for drug detection. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of hair measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil), taken directly next to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the preferred sample size for analysis and verification. For EtG levels, supplementary tests, or assessments beyond ten panels, obtaining a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. ‘Head hair’ specifically refers to hair from the scalp, whereas ‘body hair’ encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, underarm).
Process Overview
The four critical phases of laboratory drug testing processes include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning commences with integrating the sample into a lab system. This step involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not covered by an electronic custody documentation system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive result in Screening must be confirmed to be legally admissible. Samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening need subsequent confirmation.
Presumptively positive samples at the Screening phase require more hair to be taken from the original specimen for Extraction. With Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing stands as the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Before confirmation, all samples presumed positive undergo a wash as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Generally termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation is conducted on the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outshines Urine Testing in Koyukuk, AK
Hair testing provides a superior detection period over traditional urine tests. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests often detect substances used months ago, providing a broader picture of an individual's substance use patterns. Its unmatched reliability makes it a preferred choice by organizations committed to maintaining a drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window in Koyukuk, AK
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its ability to identify drug use over a more extended period, up to 90 days, compared to alternative methods. This extensive window offers employers an in-depth view of an employee's substance use history, aiding in making more informed hiring and retention decisions, promoting a drug-free workplace.
With hair follicle testing, the process becomes nearly tamper-proof, reducing the risk of adulteration significantly. The integrity of this method ensures that results are reliable, providing sound, unquestionable evidence of substance use. This secured testing method stands as a guard against any attempt to falsify sample results, securing employer trust in the outcome.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Koyukuk, AK
The process for conducting hair follicle testing in Koyukuk, AK, is simple and confidential. Ordering a test and receiving results is straightforward, ensuring privacy and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Offering competitive pricing, our hair follicle drug testing services provide excellent value for businesses of any size in Koyukuk, AK. The quick turnaround time ensures results are delivered promptly, providing peace of mind and facilitating swift decision-making.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug testing in Koyukuk, AK, stand out as key advantages. Accurate detection of substance abuse is ensured through advanced testing procedures. These tests provide reliable results swiftly, making them an excellent choice for urgent cases where substance use detection is critical. With high accuracy, hair follicle tests significantly enhance the credibility of detection outcomes.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Koyukuk, AK, assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, giving employers peace of mind. By reducing the risk of legal issues and ensuring the safety of the work environment, hair testing supports a robust policy framework. Employers can rely on this method to enhance workplace safety and maintain required compliance standards.
