Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair records a prolonged history of substance intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period for alcohol and drugs of up to roughly three months. Its collection is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional substances, or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be obtained. Specifically, head hair denotes scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory’s system occurs, which involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and sent, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening introduces an initial rapid examination for drug abuse. While it’s a financially efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation to hold up in court. Any samples that indicate presumptive positivity during Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
For specimens presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at a substantially lower concentration compared to other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug screening as the most complex method.
Confirming any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS, with all presumptive positives undergoing a wash prior to confirmation if necessary. The exhaustive laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though it’s often referred to as "hair follicle tests", this procedure examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lazy Mountain, AK
When it comes to detecting drug use, hair follicle tests in Lazy Mountain, AK outshine traditional urine tests. These tests excel with superior detection accuracy and reliability, benefiting employers and authorities who need trustworthy results.
Extended Detection Window in Lazy Mountain, AK
The ability of hair follicle testing to trace substance use over an extended period, up to 90 days, grants employers in Lazy Mountain, AK a comprehensive view of an applicant's or employee's drug history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lazy Mountain, AK
Hair follicle tests offer a robust solution against sample adulteration in Lazy Mountain, AK. The methodologies ensure that tampering remains a minimal concern, allowing for reliable results and peace of mind.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lazy Mountain, AK
With numerous centers across Lazy Mountain, AK, accessing testing services is seamless and convenient. Our nationwide presence ensures quick and hassle-free drug testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lazy Mountain, AK
The procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential in Lazy Mountain, AK, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lazy Mountain, AK
In Lazy Mountain, AK, competitive pricing and quick result turnaround characterize our hair follicle tests. Businesses of all sizes benefit from excellent value and timely feedback.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lazy Mountain, AK
People in Lazy Mountain, AK can trust hair follicle drug tests for their promptness and dependability. These tests provide high precision in detecting substance use, ensuring individuals and organizations receive reliable results swiftly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lazy Mountain, AK
Adopting hair follicle testing helps employers in Lazy Mountain, AK maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thereby minimizing legal liabilities and enhancing safety.