Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The perception of hair testing as a crucial method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption has increased. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as the hair strand develops. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 3-month detection timeframe for substances. It's straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the specimen. We advise weighing the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, the equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair only, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in processing a drug test result in the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory's system. This entails confirming that the sample has been sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage for most samples; however, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples suspected to be positive during Screening require an additional confirmation step.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation in the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected to be positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test processes the hair strand, not the follicle located beneath the scalp.
In Port Clarence, AK, hair follicle testing takes precedence over urine testing. Its superior detection accuracy ensures reliable results that traditional urine tests might miss.
Benefits of Hair Testing:
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a critical advantage in Port Clarence, AK. This method provides insights into an individual's substance use history over a period of up to 90 days.
This extensive detection capability offers employers a more complete view of a candidate or employee's drug use history, ensuring safer and more informed hiring and employment decisions.
The risk of sample tampering is significantly reduced with hair follicle tests in Port Clarence, AK. This method provides highly reliable and indisputable results, ensuring the integrity of every drug test conducted.
This less vulnerable testing method provides peace of mind with results that remain consistent and accurate under all circumstances, making it an excellent choice for precise testing protocols.
Accessing drug testing in Port Clarence, AK, is simplified through our nationwide and local testing centers. Our facilities provide quick, efficient, and hassle-free services for all your drug testing needs.
No matter where you are located, our network ensures seamless access to reliable drug testing, making it convenient for all users to find a testing center nearby.
With a straightforward and confidential process in place, hair follicle testing in Port Clarence, AK, addresses privacy concerns and simplifies the entire testing cycle.
From ordering the test to the final receipt of results, users experience a seamless and user-friendly process that respects privacy while delivering accurate information quickly and efficiently.
Port Clarence, AK, offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing, making it an affordable choice for employers.
This economically feasible option ensures high value, as companies receive swift and reliable test results without financial strain, supporting businesses of every size in maintaining effective drug screening programs.
In Port Clarence, AK, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their swift and precise results. They offer exceptional accuracy in identifying substance use, offering a reliable method for detecting illicit drug consumption.
These tests ensure comprehensive detection across various substances, showcasing their unbeatable precision compared to other methodologies, making them the preferred choice for effective drug screening.
Hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind for employers in Port Clarence, AK. It effectively supports adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal liabilities.
By utilizing this testing method, companies can enhance their safety protocols, reducing risks and promoting a secure work environment that upholds community standards and employee wellbeing.
