Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for detecting usage of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a historical record of drug and alcohol use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is a straightforward process, relatively challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 strands (akin to the width of a #2 pencil) gathered from the area nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal specimen for screening and confirmation purposes. For tests including EtG, add-ons, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be used. By "head hair", we refer solely to scalp hair. The term "body hair" encompasses all other hair forms (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The essential steps in a lab's processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial phase where a sample is integrated into the laboratory's system. This step involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
During Screening, an initial swift examination for drugs of abuse occurs. While Screening is cost-efficient for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. This step involves removing drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmations of any positive screenings are performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as required. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Metlakatla, AK
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests by offering superior detection and accuracy. With a longer detection period and difficult-to-falsify results, hair testing is highly reliable, giving employers confidence in their drug screening process.
Extended Detection Window in Metlakatla, AK
The ability of hair follicle tests to detect drug use over a prolonged period, extending up to 90 days, provides a thorough overview of an individual's substance history. This helps employers make informed decisions about potential hires or existing employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Metlakatla, AK
Hair follicle tests are resistant to tampering, significantly minimizing the risk of adulteration. The rigorous collection and analysis procedures ensure that results are reliable and difficult to dispute, making it an ideal choice for employers seeking trustworthy testing methods.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Metlakatla, AK
With testing centers located nationwide, individuals in Metlakatla benefit from quick and convenient access to our services. This widespread network ensures hassle-free and efficient testing, meeting the needs of diverse locations and demands.
Simple, Confidential Process in Metlakatla, AK
Our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and keeps client confidentiality as a top priority. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving results, every step is designed to be seamless, making it easy for individuals to use our services without privacy concerns.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Metlakatla, AK
We boast competitive pricing and rapid results, providing exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. This combination of affordability and speed ensures that companies not only save costs but also benefit from quick access to drug testing outcomes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Metlakatla, AK
Hair follicle testing stands out due to its precision and rapid analysis, providing high accuracy in detecting substance use. This method ensures that substance detection is swift and accurate, allowing for quick decision-making and reliable results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Metlakatla, AK
By implementing hair follicle testing, employers can assure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and promoting a safer work environment. This method offers peace of mind knowing that the testing process supports workplace safety and integrity.
