Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. The structure of hair strands allows it to capture biomarkers within its fibers, offering a comprehensive timeline of drug and alcohol consumption. When hair samples are cut close to the scalp, they can reveal a usage history extending around three months back for various substances. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easily manageable for shipping.
Gathering a 1.5-inch portion of approximately 200 hairs (roughly matching a #2 pencil’s width) right at the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both preliminary and confirmatory phases of testing. For EtG, additional options, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample accurately. In scenarios where scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent mass of body hair can be used. Our reference to head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair while body hair encompasses all other varieties (such as facial, and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for processing drug test samples comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about the initial intake of a sample into the lab’s operations. This stage includes confirming the sample’s secure packaging and transport, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing data input if not done by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drug presence. Although it’s an economical way to eliminate possible drug presence in most cases, positive Screen results necessitate confirmation for legal validation. Any sample reflecting a presumptive positive in Screening demands additional verification.
Upon a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the main sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair in much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or saliva), explaining why hair drug analysis is a highly sophisticated procedure.
Confirmed positive results from Screening undergo GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS Confirmation. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before Confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is assessed against both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly dubbed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis focuses on the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Mendeltna, AK, surpasses traditional urine tests with its accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair testing provides a broader detection window, catching long-term drug use. It ensures that past drug habits don't slip through, offering employers a more dependable method to maintain a drug-free environment.
In Mendeltna, AK, hair follicle testing offers a substantial detection window of up to 90 days. This long timeframe provides employers with a detailed overview of an individual's substance use history, enabling more informed decisions about hiring and workplace safety measures. It proves invaluable for maintaining rigorous standards.
Hair follicle testing in Mendeltna, AK, serves as a highly tamper-resistant method. Its design significantly lessens the risk of sample adulteration, offering results that are both credible and difficult to dispute. This integrity ensures that the results reflect genuine substance history, bolstering trust in the process.
With our extensive network of nationwide testing centers, including local sites in Mendeltna, AK, accessing hair follicle tests is straightforward and convenient. This widespread availability ensures that clients can seamlessly undergo the testing process, facilitating a hassle-free experience and promoting accessibility across various locations.
In Mendeltna, AK, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. It ensures privacy from order placement to result reception, addressing any concerns about confidentiality. This straightforward process emphasizes user-friendliness and discretion, making it an attractive choice for individuals and organizations alike.
In Mendeltna, AK, our competitive pricing structure and rapid turnaround times underscore the affordability and efficiency of our services. This combination offers excellent value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring that companies receive quality service without compromising on budgetary constraints.
In Mendeltna, AK, the precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests stand out. They deliver fast, accurate results, reliably identifying substance use with exceptional accuracy. This superior technology ensures that results meet the highest standards, making it a preferred choice for those seeking reliable testing solutions.
Employers in Mendeltna, AK, benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free policies. This proactive approach reduces legal liabilities and enhances workplace safety, providing peace of mind. Adopting this method strengthens an organization's commitment to a secure and compliant working environment.
