Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Seward, AK

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption patterns. Through capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the progressing hair strand, hair offers an extended record of alcohol and other drug intake. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer up to roughly a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drug use. Collecting hair is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both preliminary screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings over 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to gauge the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent amount of body hair is permissible. The term head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair only, while body hair encompasses other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The core steps involved in processing a drug test result in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning signifies the initial step of integrating a sample into the lab’s system, which includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening conducts a preliminary rapid check for substances of abuse. While it's an economical approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.

If a sample returns a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is obtained from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), distinguishing hair drug screening as the most intricate methodology.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if need be. The completed laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection window: Hair drug tests are capable of identifying drug usage over a 90-day span, in contrast to urine tests which have a shorter detection range.
• Hard to deceive: The difficulty in cheating a hair drug test makes its results more reliable.
• Offers historical insight: It can reveal a pattern of drug use over time, rather than just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Does not detect recent use: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to be apparent in hair.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests are costlier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand instead of the follicle under the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Seward, AK, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing due to its superior accuracy and reliability. While traditional urine tests are effective for recent use, hair tests offer a more comprehensive and precise detection. Employers and legal bodies value hair testing for its ability to provide a detailed history of drug use, confirming its supremacy over conventional methods.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing in Seward, AK, is unmatched. This method can identify drug use up to 90 days prior, offering employers a thorough understanding of an individual's drug history. This extensive timeframe ensures a reliable assessment of long-term drug habits, aiding informed decision-making processes in the workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Seward, AK, greatly deter sample tampering. Due to the observed collection process and the nature of hair samples, adulteration is significantly reduced. Confidence in test results is assured, as this method provides definitive, tamper-resistant data that supports drug-free environments and decreases risk of manipulation.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our extensive network of testing centers, including those in Seward, AK, ensures convenience. The nationwide reach guarantees easy access and stress-free testing experiences. Locally and across the country, our locations are equipped to deliver seamless and quick services, meeting diverse needs promptly without hassle.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Seward, AK, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to result receipt, each step is designed with user privacy and ease in mind. Clients can confidently trust in the discreet handling of their tests and results, knowing their privacy is safeguarded throughout the procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in Seward, AK, deliver excellent value. Businesses of all sizes benefit from our cost-effective pricing structures, while our fast results provide reassurance, facilitating timely decision-making and operational efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests provide fast and reliable results in Seward, AK. These tests boast high precision, enabling accurate detection of substances with every analysis. By utilizing advanced technology, these tests swiftly identify drug use, ensuring trustworthy results within a short timeframe, essential for various professional and legal requirements.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Seward, AK, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, as it aligns with workplace compliance and drug policy adherence. This method mitigates legal risks, boosts workplace safety, and underscores the company's commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment, crucial for operational success and employee well-being.

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