Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive timeline of alcohol and other drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window for alcohol and drugs of up to roughly 90 days. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (around the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, extra tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair can't be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair refers to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to hold up in court. Samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive at Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn out from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Positive screening results are validated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing before confirmation as appropriate. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation along with the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the examination actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Silvertip, AK
Hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests, marked by superior accuracy and reliability. The extended detection window allows for a comprehensive overview of substance use, surpassing the limited timeframe that urine tests offer. This method's reliability strengthens its position as a preferred choice among various stakeholders.
Extended Detection Window in Silvertip, AK
One significant benefit of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over a much longer time frame, up to 90 days. This feature allows employers in Silvertip, AK, to comprehensively assess an applicant or employee's substance use history, ensuring informed hiring and management decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Silvertip, AK
The robustness of hair follicle testing lies in its ability to minimize sample adulteration risks. This method offers unparalleled reliability, ensuring that results are accurate and uncontaminated, providing stakeholders peace of mind regarding the authenticity of the testing process and outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Silvertip, AK
Our expansive network of testing centers makes drug testing convenient and accessible, with local centers in Silvertip and nationwide availability. This ensures simplicity in accessing testing services, mitigating logistical challenges and facilitating seamless processes for all parties involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Silvertip, AK
Our drug testing procedures are straightforward and uphold the highest standards of confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, we ensure privacy at every step. Our commitment to an intuitive and secure process addresses the crucial concerns related to ease of use and privacy.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Silvertip, AK
Our competitive pricing and expedited turnaround times offer significant value, catering to businesses of varying sizes. This not only ensures cost-effectiveness but also delivers peace of mind, enabling companies to swiftly access test results, aiding in timely decision-making.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Silvertip, AK
The hair follicle testing method shines in delivering swift and precise results, offering high accuracy in detecting substance use. This innovative approach ensures that both individuals and organizations receive essential information quickly, empowering them to make informed decisions, thanks to the reliable detection capabilities inherent in hair tests.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Silvertip, AK
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing legal risks. This proactive approach enhances safety and operational integrity, offering comfort to companies concerned about substance use among their workforce.
