Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a significant method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. The hair's structure captures biomarkers, charting a prolonged history of substance use. When sourced near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeframe of nearly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to determine the specimen's weight is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be taken. Head hair exclusively refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary steps of incorporating a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial swift assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be legally acceptable. Samples yielding presumptive positive results in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are procured from hair at concentrations markedly lesser than other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most complex methods to execute.
Confirmation of positive Screening results is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as needed. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing stands out as a superior method over traditional urine testing in Shaktoolik, AK. A significant benefit of hair testing is its unparalleled detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which may miss long-term substance usage, hair tests offer a more extended and dependable detection window, ensuring a thorough evaluation of an individual’s substance history.
Hair follicle tests in Shaktoolik, AK, provide an extended detection window, covering up to 90 days, allowing employers to gain a complete perspective on an individual’s substance use. This extensive detection period offers organizations the ability to assess both short-term and long-term drug use history, contributing to informed employment decisions.
In Shaktoolik, AK, hair follicle drug tests offer a tamper-resistant method of testing. By significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests provide reliable and unquestionable results. Employers and authorities trust this method for its integrity, ensuring a true reflection of an individual’s substance use history.
With extensive nationwide testing locations, including Shaktoolik, AK, Accredited Drug Testing guarantees convenient access to services. Our scattered testing centers provide quick and hassle-free options, making it easier for clients to locate and utilize our services, enhancing overall client satisfaction.
The process of hair follicle testing in Shaktoolik, AK, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure is streamlined for ease of use, while addressing privacy concerns. Clients are assured of their data’s protection, fostering trust and encouraging extensive use of our services.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, our services in Shaktoolik, AK, deliver excellent value for companies of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures ensure accessibility for all, while the expedient analysis timeframe provides peace of mind and assists in efficient decision-making processes.
The speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug testing in Shaktoolik, AK, make it a highly preferred choice. Unlike other testing methods, hair follicle tests provide precise results swiftly, ensuring that substance use is effectively detected without delay. Clients appreciate the reliability and fast turnaround times, ensuring decisions are made based on accurate data.
For employers in Shaktoolik, AK, hair follicle testing helps in ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks, and enhancing workplace safety. This robust testing method provides peace of mind and confidence in maintaining a drug-free environment, aligning with regulatory and organizational standards.
