Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has evolved into a crucial method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair strand, offering a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage. When taken from near the scalp, hair can present nearly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. In the case of EtG, additional testing, or tests surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. In reference to head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair pertains to all other varieties of hair (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample's initial handling within a laboratory’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a concentration much lower than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening an exceptionally challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation, as needed. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation receives oversight under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test assesses the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In Olnes, AK, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests by offering longer detection times and greater accuracy. Hair tests can identify drug use over an extended period, making them ideal for employers needing reliable screening methods.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle tests are far superior in terms of tamper-resistance and long-term detection. Employers gain a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use, providing a robust foundation for workplace safety policies.
Hair follicle testing in Olnes, AK, offers a considerable advantage with its extended detection window. By evaluating hair samples, employers can trace drug usage back up to 90 days, providing a thorough substance history.
This extensive detection period grants employers insight into an applicant's or employee's long-term substance use habits, serving as a critical tool in maintaining a drug-free workplace and making informed hiring decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Olnes, AK, significantly reduces the possibility of sample tampering. The strategic collection and testing procedures ensure the reliability of results, fostering trust in their accuracy.
Because hair samples are collected under strict observation and analyzed with precision, any form of adulteration becomes virtually impossible. This tamper-resistant nature of hair tests provides employers with indisputable evidence of substance use.
In Olnes, AK, Accredited Drug Testing offers convenience with numerous testing centers nationwide. This extensive network allows for easy access to testing services, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Our local availability means quicker access to necessary tests, providing individuals and employers with a straightforward process for meeting their substance testing needs promptly and efficiently.
The process of hair follicle testing in Olnes, AK, remains simple and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, all aspects are designed to protect privacy while ensuring ease of use.
Employers and individuals can trust in this streamlined process, which prioritizes confidentiality and convenience, facilitating an unobtrusive approach to meeting all testing requirements efficiently.
Offering competitive pricing, hair follicle testing in Olnes, AK provides companies with an affordable solution. The quick turnaround times further enhance the value, ensuring timely and trustworthy results.
Companies of all sizes can benefit from this cost-effective approach to drug testing, reinforcing their commitment to workplace safety without compromising on budgetary constraints or result speed.
The hair follicle drug test in Olnes, AK, provides rapid and precise results. Known for their accuracy, these tests can detect various substances efficiently, giving employers peace of mind when making crucial decisions.
Leveraging advanced technology, the speed of hair follicle analysis ensures timely access to results, enabling quicker decision-making while maintaining high standards of accuracy. This capability is vital for employers in need of reliable substance abuse insights.
Using hair follicle tests in Olnes, AK, helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. These tests mitigate legal risks and promote a safer, more productive work environment.
Employers benefit from the clear and concise data that hair testing provides, easing the enforcement of zero-tolerance policies and contributing to overall workplace peace and assurance.