Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has increasingly become recognized as an effective instrument for identifying the use of alcohol and drugs. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of drug and alcohol consumption by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of nearly 90 days for drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to gather, relatively tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in thickness to a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for initial screening and further confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. In cases where scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair might be used. Our mention of head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the laboratory follows four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial phase of incorporating a sample into the laboratory system. Tasks include ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing necessary data entry that isn’t covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. While Screening serves as an economical method to dismiss drug use for most samples, a positive result in Screening must be verified to be permissible in legal proceedings. Samples marked as presumptively positive during Screening, thus necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed ahead of confirmation where required. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the assessment focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, it's clear why the former is preferred in Sanak, AK. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests that might miss long-term drug use, hair follicle testing provides an unbeatable advantage with its extensive detection window. This makes it an excellent tool for employers and organizations aiming for comprehensive drug screening processes.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Sanak, AK is its ability to detect drug use over extended periods, up to 90 days. This long detection window offers employers an all-encompassing insight into an individual's substance use history, proving invaluable for assessing the long-term behavior of employees or potential hires.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Sanak, AK significantly curtails the chance of sample tampering. This testing method provides irrefutable and dependable outcomes, with collections being monitored carefully. Thus, organizations can trust the results as a true reflection of an individual's substance use, mitigating any manipulation attempts traditionally seen with other testing methods.
With convenient nationwide testing centers and local facilities in Sanak, AK, obtaining hair follicle tests is hassle-free. The widespread availability ensures quick access, making it easy for employers and individuals to schedule and perform tests promptly, reducing downtime and maintaining workflow continuity.
The process for hair follicle testing in Sanak, AK is straightforward and discreet. Clients appreciate the streamlined approach to ordering, undergoing the test, and receiving results, all while maintaining confidentiality. This ease of use, coupled with the assurance of privacy, makes the experience stress-free for all involved.
Our affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle testing in Sanak, AK offer tremendous value. Companies of all sizes benefit from competitive cost structures while enjoying rapid results, ensuring they make informed decisions without financial strain. This economic advantage supports efficient personnel management within organizations.
Hair follicle testing in Sanak, AK stands out for its precision and speed. This method delivers accurate detection of substance use, ensuring that results are both swift and reliable. The high accuracy rate makes it a preferred choice for those seeking thorough analytical data on drug usage, allowing for quick decision-making and management in various professional environments.
Employers in Sanak, AK gain compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal repercussions. By integrating these tests into their protocols, companies can enhance workplace safety and uphold standards, safeguarding both their reputation and operational efficiency.
