Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying the consumption of substances like drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a chronological record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within its growing strands. Sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal usage patterns of alcohol and drugs over an estimated three-month time span. The collection process is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is the preferred amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or for tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. It is best to measure the amount with an accurate jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, equivalent body hair can be used. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test result—Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is entered into the laboratory's system. This step confirms the sample is correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any remaining data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not cover.
Screening initially inspects for potential abuse substances. While Screening cost-effectively eliminates drug use in most cases, any positive findings require confirmation for legal substantiation. Samples with Screening positives require further verification.
When a sample tests Screening positive, a portion of it is used for the Extraction phase, where drugs are isolated from the hair at lower levels compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug assessments.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples testing presumptively positive undergo a cleansing before the confirmation as necessary. The complete process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, complies with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and meets ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," these assessments actually focus on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When compared to traditional urine testing, hair follicle tests in Shungnak, AK, are far superior in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which are limited to short-term drug detection, hair testing offers more precise outcomes, capturing a comprehensive picture of an individual's substance use over three months.
In Shungnak, AK, hair follicle testing offers an impressive detection window of up to 90 days, making it an invaluable tool for employers. This extended period allows for a thorough understanding of an employee's or applicant's substance history, giving insights into long-term patterns rather than short-term behavior.
Hair follicle testing in Shungnak, AK, significantly minimizes the chances of tampering or sample adulteration. Unlike urine tests, which can be manipulated, hair testing provides trustworthy results. This reliability gives both employers and testers confidence in the authenticity of the outcomes, fostering an environment of accountability.
With convenient testing centers nationwide, including Shungnak, AK, accessing hair follicle testing is hassle-free. The comprehensive network ensures quick and easy availability of services, helping individuals and corporations meet testing needs without logistical challenges.
In Shungnak, AK, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and respects confidentiality. From ordering to completion and result reception, each step ensures privacy and simplicity, addressing any potential privacy concerns and making the entire process user-friendly.
Offering competitive pricing and swift result turnover in Shungnak, AK, hair follicle testing provides excellent value. Companies, regardless of size, benefit from these cost-effective solutions, achieving peace of mind and maintaining budget efficiency simultaneously.
The precision and quick results of hair follicle drug tests in Shungnak, AK, are unmatched. These tests offer high accuracy levels when detecting drug use, ensuring reliable data. Hair follicle testing processes are efficient, swiftly providing dependable outcomes, which is crucial for employers and individuals needing accurate substance use data promptly.
Ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies in Shungnak, AK, is achievable with hair follicle testing. This method not only reduces legal risks but also prioritizes safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they're making informed decisions backed by accurate, tamper-proof test results.
