Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected from near the scalp, it offers up to a three-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. It’s easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, the perfect sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair is suitable. References to head hair specifically imply scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other varieties (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for processing drug test results comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This step confirms the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns it a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any additional required data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a swift initial evaluation for potential drugs of abuse. It’s a cost-effective screening technique to generally eliminate drug presence, though a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in the Screening phase necessitate secondary confirmation.
For a sample indicating a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is gathered from the initial sample for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods, such as urine or oral fluids, highlighting hair drug testing's complexity as the most challenging methodology.
The Confirmation step for any positive screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as necessary. The entire lab process, spanning Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Nikiski, AK, hair follicle testing is often favored over traditional urine tests. One significant advantage is its superior detection accuracy, making it a preferable method for substance use evaluation.
Urine tests may miss long-term use detectable by hair tests, which can outline a much broader period of an individual's history, offering enhanced reliability and comprehensive insights into a person's substance habits.
Hair follicle testing in Nikiski, AK is valued for its extended detection window. Providing insights into drug use up to 90 days prior, it offers employers a detailed perspective on applicants' or employees' substance history.
This comprehensive view aids in making informed decisions, assessing the long-term behavior, and ensuring a safe and productive work environment.
The hair follicle testing method used in Nikiski, AK significantly minimizes the risk of tampering. Unlike other forms, these tests are difficult to adulterate, ensuring reliable and trustworthy results.
This reliability is a key benefit for organizations relying on accurate substance use assessments, providing peace of mind through secure testing processes.
Our network of testing centers in Nikiski, AK and nationwide ensures convenient and stress-free access to services. With numerous locations, scheduling and attending tests is streamlined and efficient.
This widespread availability facilitates fast and easy testing, catering to the needs of individuals and organizations regardless of location.
The hair follicle testing process in Nikiski, AK is straightforward and discreet. From ordering to obtaining results, each step prioritizes privacy and ease of use, addressing client concerns.
With an emphasis on confidentiality, the procedure provides a user-friendly experience, making it an appealing option for those seeking reliable testing solutions.
Offering competitive pricing in Nikiski, AK, hair follicle testing provides great value alongside quick turnaround times. This combination offers an attractive option for businesses seeking cost-effective solutions.
Timely results paired with affordability ensure that organizations of all sizes can benefit from reliable drug testing without compromising on budget.
Hair follicle drug testing in Nikiski, AK stands out for its fast and precise results. Known for its high accuracy, this testing method reliably identifies substance use, offering peace of mind to both employers and individuals.
The efficiency of hair follicle tests ensures quick turnaround times, enabling swift decision-making. The reliability of these tests makes them a preferred choice for accurate drug detection in various settings.
Employers in Nikiski, AK benefit from the compliance assurance provided by hair follicle testing. Adopting this method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, effectively reducing legal risks.
By implementing thorough testing procedures, companies can enhance workplace safety and ensure peace of mind, knowing compliance standards are upheld.
