Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective mechanism for detecting substance use. Hair captures long-term records of drug and alcohol consumption by embedding biomarkers in its fibers as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, it can provide a detection period of up to about 90 days for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional components, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample amount of 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair cannot be accessed, an equivalent volume of body hair is allowable. References to head hair denote scalp hair exclusively. All other hair refers to body hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The fundamental stages in a drug test's lab analysis are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This procedure verifies the proper sealing and dispatch of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary broad assessment for drug abuse. While it's a cost-efficient approach to dismiss drug consumption for most samples, a positive screening result necessitates confirmation to be valid legally. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If the Screening step identifies a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Drugs are isolated from hair at considerably lower concentrations than in other testing methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening a challenging process to execute.
Positive Screening results are substantiated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples marked presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lime Village, AK
Hair follicle testing stands superior by offering extended detection accuracy compared to urine tests. This method provides a more comprehensive overview, detecting historical substance use effectively. In contrast, traditional urine tests are limited in their ability to capture a long timeline, making hair analysis the preferred option for those seeking accuracy and reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Lime Village, AK
Hair follicle testing is valuable due to its ability to track drug use over a substantial 90-day period. This extended window offers employers a detailed understanding of an individual’s substance habits over time. It ensures that employers get a complete picture of an applicant or employee's potential drug use, beyond the limitations of short-term tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lime Village, AK
One significant advantage of hair follicle testing is its robust tamper-resistance. The test development process minimizes the risk of contamination or sample manipulation, providing findings that are both reliable and definitive. This feature of hair testing ensures confidence in the test results, reducing the potential for deceptive practices.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local in Lime Village, AK
Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers ensures that accessing hair follicle testing remains straightforward and stress-free. These centers, based in Lime Village and beyond, provide easy-reaching solutions, facilitating quick service and making the testing process seamless for all involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lime Village, AK
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential, emphasizing privacy and simplicity in Lime Village. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are designed to be effortless, ensuring that participants experience minimal inconvenience while maintaining confidentiality at every stage of the procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lime Village, AK
With competitive pricing and quick result processing, our hair follicle testing services deliver excellent value in Lime Village. Companies, regardless of size, can benefit from the cost-effectiveness and rapid turnaround time, ensuring that testing is both budget-friendly and meets the requirements promptly.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lime Village, AK
Hair follicle tests offer unparalleled precision and speed in drug detection. Their ability to accurately identify substance use makes them a preferred choice within Lime Village, ensuring results that can be trusted. From the moment the test is taken, rapid processing provides prompt insights, supporting informed decision-making based on reliable data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lime Village, AK
Employing hair follicle testing helps employers stay compliant with workplace drug-free policies, effectively minimizing legal challenges and enhancing safety. This method not only assures adherence to regulations but also fosters a secure environment, providing employers with peace of mind regarding their workforce's compliance with company standards.
