Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair embodies a prolonged history of alcohol and drug exposure by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch specimen containing around 200 hairs (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, or scenarios requiring more than 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. By 'head hair', we specifically refer to scalp hair, while 'body hair' denotes other types like facial or axillary hair.
Overview of the Process
There are four primary stages in the processing of a drug test result in a lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory system. It includes ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid check for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a challenging practice.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning through Confirmation is conducted under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of Hair Drug Tests:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the actual test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing is a preferred method in Sleetmute, AK due to its enhanced detection capabilities compared to urine tests. Longer detection periods and the ability to identify a broad range of substances make hair testing advantageous. Urine tests may offer short-term results, but hair testing provides a more comprehensive overview, ensuring employers and others get reliable information.
Hair follicle testing in Sleetmute, AK offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, unlike other testing methods. This provides employers with a broader scope of an individual's substance history, allowing for more informed decisions about potential or current employees.
In Sleetmute, AK, hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant method for drug tests, significantly reducing alteration risks. This process assures dependable results, as it is incredibly challenging to falsify the integrity of the sample, giving employers confidence in the accuracy of the outcomes.
Our testing facilities are conveniently located nationwide and locally in Sleetmute, AK, offering hassle-free access for clients. With local centers throughout the country, individuals can quickly and easily avail themselves of testing services at their convenience.
In Sleetmute, AK, the hair follicle testing procedure is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to obtaining results, each step prioritizes privacy and ease, ensuring clients feel comfortable and secure throughout the process.
The hair follicle testing offered in Sleetmute, AK is characterized by affordable pricing and rapid results. This ensures excellent value, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes, while prompt turnaround times contribute to peace of mind and efficient decision-making.
In Sleetmute, AK, hair follicle drug tests deliver fast, accurate, and dependable outcomes. The precision of these tests ensures correct substance identification, with results quickly available. Their accuracy in recognizing substance use patterns makes them a trusted choice for organizations seeking reliable testing methods.
Employers in Sleetmute, AK can find peace of mind and compliance with workplace drug-free policies through hair follicle testing. This method reduces potential legal issues and enhances workplace safety by ensuring adherence to stringent policy requirements.
