Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug intake owing to the entrapment of biomarkers within the hair’s growing strands. When hair is clipped close to the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug use over roughly a three-month period. The hair sample is easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, about the thickness of a #2 pencil and containing approximately 200 strands, will weigh 100mg—ideal for both initial tests and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. ‘Head hair’ specifically refers to scalp hair, while ‘body hair’ encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Summary
The laboratory drug test workflow comprises four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample enters the laboratory system. This step ensures the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic custody system.
The Screening phase is a preliminary test for drugs of misuse. While cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive Screening requires confirmation to be valid legally. Samples that are presumptively positive must undergo further verification.
If presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other tests (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug tests particularly challenging to perform.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected of being positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning through to Confirmation is overseen under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests," these tests actually analyze the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Strength in Detection
Hair follicle testing in Sterling, AK offers remarkable advantages over traditional urine tests. Its superior detection capabilities and reliability stand out.
Unmatched Detection Accuracy
Compared to urine tests, hair testing in Sterling demonstrates improved accuracy, providing employers with more reliable data on substance use.
Comprehensive Detection
In Sterling, AK, hair testing offers an extended detection window, capturing drug use up to 90 days. It aids employers in gaining a detailed view of past substance use.
Long-Term Substance Use Insights
Hair follicle testing in Sterling provides a broader perspective on an individual's substance history, extending beyond the typical detection range of urine tests.
Secure and Reliable Testing
Hair follicle tests in Sterling, AK effectively reduce sample tampering risks. Their design assures dependable and uncontestable results for employers.
Protection Against Adulteration
In Sterling, hair testing methods prevent adulteration, providing a testing process that's more secure than ever, ensuring utmost reliability.
Nationwide Convenience
In Sterling, AK, access our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, ensuring testing services are readily available and effortless.
Local Accessibility
Our testing locations in Sterling prioritize convenience and ease, offering quick and easy access to necessary services.
Ease and Privacy Assured
In Sterling, AK, our testing process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality, ensuring privacy and ease of interaction.
Confidentiality in Testing
Sterling's drug testing services promise a streamlined process, addressing privacy concerns from ordering to receiving results.
Valuable and Efficient
Competitive pricing in Sterling, AK ensures affordability without compromising speed and quality. Our swift turnaround times guarantee satisfaction.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Our pricing models in Sterling meet various business needs, providing excellent value and prompt service for comprehensive satisfaction.
Speed and Precision in Drug Testing
Hair follicle tests in Sterling, AK deliver fast and reliable results. The method ensures high accuracy in detecting substance abuse, offering confidence and reliability crucial for employers.
Trustworthy Results
With advanced technology, hair follicle testing in Sterling provides results that are both fast and exceptionally precise, setting a benchmark for accuracy in substance detection.
Ensuring Compliance
Hair follicle testing in Sterling, AK assures companies of adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and promoting safety.
Employer Confidence
By using hair testing, Sterling businesses can ensure compliance and bolster workplace safety and peace of mind regarding substance use.
