What it is, How it works

Using hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair entraps biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, offering a prolonged record of substance usage. Obtaining a sample near the scalp enables a detection window of up to about 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal sample for initial and confirmatory analysis. For EtG, extended panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's recommended to assess the sample weight using a jewelerâ€™s scale. In instances where scalp hair is unavailable, a proportional amount of body hair may be procured. In this context, head hair signifies scalp hair solely. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (face, underarm, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the initial sample processing in the lab's system, confirming the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, allocating a distinct LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling out any absent data not available through an electronic chain of custody.

Screening conducts an initial drug presence check. Although this stage is a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug presence in most samples, any positive findings necessitate confirmation to be legally valid. Samples showing presumed positives in Screening do require second-level confirmation.

In cases where a sample is seemingly positive during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction prep. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.

Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptively positive are washed before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can identify drug consumption for as long as 90 days, as opposed to urine tests, which have a shorter detection span.
High resistance to tampering: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
Chronological data: It illuminates drug usage patterns across time, not solely recent use.

Limitations:

Inability to detect recent consumption: Drugs become traceable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
Expense: Hair drug testing is typically costlier than other testing approaches.
Variability in outcomes: Factors like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis itself targets the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing drug testing methods, hair follicle testing offers significant benefits over urine tests in Ridgeway, AK. With superior detection accuracy, it provides a reliable snapshot of an individual's substance use.
Hair tests are more resilient against false negatives or sample tampering.

The advantages of hair testing are clear. While urine tests cover short-term use, hair testing provides a broader detection window of up to 90 days. Employers can rest assured of genuine and thorough results.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing is a powerful tool in Ridgeway, AK, offering an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This method delivers a detailed view of an individual's drug usage history, far exceeding that of urine tests.
Employers gain valuable insights into substance behaviors.

This prolonged window means hair tests can often reveal lifestyle patterns, aiding employers in assessing the suitability of candidates or monitoring staff consistently.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant drug testing method in Ridgeway, AK. The inherent difficulty in adulterating or substituting samples ensures integrity in the results, making them highly dependable.
This reliability is vital for employers who require trustworthy data.

By significantly reducing the risk of tampering, hair tests provide unquestionable results that stand up to scrutiny, thus maintaining the high standards required in industries that prioritize safety.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Residents and businesses in Ridgeway, AK benefit from our nationwide testing locations. Our extensive network ensures that testing is accessible, quick, and hassle-free.
Local centers provide convenience, enabling easy compliance with screening requirements.

The accessibility of our nationwide centers removes barriers to testing, allowing individuals and businesses in various locations to efficiently manage their drug testing needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Ridgeway, AK, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering a test, providing a sample, and receiving results are straightforward steps that prioritize privacy.
Concerns about confidentiality are alleviated with our streamlined services.

Ease of use is central to our testing process, providing a seamless experience for users who value discretion and efficiency. Our commitment to privacy protects individual rights and fosters trust.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive pricing and swift turnaround times make our hair follicle tests in Ridgeway, AK an excellent choice. We offer affordable solutions that provide great value for companies of all sizes.
The balance between cost and rapid results is ideal for any business budget.

Affordable options paired with fast processing ensure companies can rely on our services without financial burdens.
This combination ensures that all businesses maintain compliance while managing costs effectively.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and efficiency of hair follicle tests are paramount for residents in Ridgeway, AK. Their accuracy in identifying substance use is unmatched, making them the preferred choice.
Results are both fast and reliable, ensuring that employers and individuals get timely information.

In a world where rapid information is key, the speed of hair follicle testing stands out. Tests are conducted swiftly, yielding results that decision-makers can trust.
Such reliability is crucial in maintaining safe and compliant work environments.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Ridgeway, AK, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It mitigates legal risks and enhances safety, offering peace of mind.
Such robust measures protect businesses and promote a healthy work environment.

Employers benefit from the peace that hair testing brings, knowing they adhere to regulations while fostering a secure and compliant workplace.
A commitment to safety bolsters company reputation and employee trust.