Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Sitka, AK

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers, hair offers an extensive history of alcohol and other drugs. A sample taken near the scalp can provide a detection window of up to around 90 days for both alcohol and drugs. Hair sample collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to send.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches from the scalp, containing roughly 200 strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil), equates to 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair cannot be collected, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, it pertains to scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result is comprised of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the preliminary stage of entering a sample into the lab's system. Tasks include verifying appropriate sealing and shipping of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial swift review for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-effective approach to dismiss drug use in a majority of cases, a positive screen requires confirmation for court acceptability. Any samples testing presumptively positive at this stage need further confirmation.

Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, it necessitates more hair to be set for Extraction. Here, drugs are procured from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.

Positive screening outcomes are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as appropriate. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation standards and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a briefer detection range.
• Challenge to deceive: It is notably hard to manipulate a hair drug test, ensuring greater accuracy of results.
• Offers historical insight: Provides a timeline of drug use over an extended period, not solely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent use: Drugs require approximately 5-7 days to become detectable in hair strands.
• Expense: Hair drug tests frequently incur higher costs compared to other testing methods.
• Diversity in results: Variables like hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Sitka, AK surpasses traditional urine tests in several ways. With its superior accuracy and reliability, it provides a clearer picture of substance use. Unlike urine tests, hair testing offers a detection period extending up to 90 days, reducing the chance of evasion and providing more dependable results for employers and individuals alike.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Sitka, AK benefit greatly from the extended detection period of hair follicle testing. With a window of up to 90 days, these tests offer a thorough insight into an individual's substance use habits. This comprehensive overview aids in making informed hiring and retention decisions, ensuring workplace integrity and safety.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests, widely used in Sitka, AK, present a tamper-resistant method of detecting substance use. The technique significantly reduces risks of sample adulteration, guaranteeing reliable and unquestionable results. This level of security is pivotal for employers and individuals aiming for accurate and trustworthy testing outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our conveniently located testing centers in Sitka, AK, as well as nationwide, make it simple to access reliable testing services. This setup ensures a hassle-free and efficient process, removing logistical barriers and making it seamless for individuals to undergo necessary testing procedures.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Sitka, AK is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting the sample and receiving results, every step maintains privacy. Our straightforward approach ensures ease of use, addressing any concerns while safeguarding personal information.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Sitka, AK offers competitive pricing structures for hair follicle testing. Coupled with quick turnaround times, this ensures excellent value for organizations of all sizes. Our affordable options provide companies with the peace of mind that comes from reliable and timely testing results without breaking the bank.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Sitka, AK residents can depend on hair follicle drug tests for their remarkable precision and efficiency. These tests achieve high accuracy rates in identifying substance use, providing quick and reliable outcomes. The advanced techniques employed ensure prompt results, aiding both personal and professional decision-making processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Sitka, AK, hair follicle tests ensure employer compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method minimizes legal risks and enhances workplace safety, providing peace of mind. By adopting such a reliable testing approach, companies can maintain integrity and ensure a productive, safe environment.

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