Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, providing a long-term history of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair samples offer up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp is sufficient to obtain 100mg, the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG and expanded panels beyond 10 tests, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair indicate scalp hair exclusively, while body hair includes all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with incorporating the sample into the laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial check for substance abuse. While Screening is cost-effective for most samples, positive results require confirmation before being legally admissible. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening need further confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial specimen is prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Stony River, AK, the choice of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests highlights superior detection capabilities. This method boasts an extended detection window and greater accuracy, capturing drug use history more comprehensively. Its reliability offers a distinct advantage over urine tests, which may be limited in detection timeframe and accuracy.
Offering extended detection, hair follicle testing in Stony River, AK, uncovers drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended window is invaluable for employers seeking insight into prolonged usage patterns. By assessing substance history over a significant period, this method provides a thorough profile of an individual's past drug use.
Hair follicle testing in Stony River, AK, provides a tamper-resistant option, significantly minimizing sample manipulation risks. The method’s inherent design ensures reliability and prevents alterations, making it a strong choice among drug testing options. These qualities ensure the dependability and credibility of each test result.
Convenience is paramount in Stony River, AK, where our nationwide testing centers provide easy access to hair follicle testing services. With numerous local facilities, scheduling a test is straightforward and hassle-free, ensuring quick and efficient service access for all clients.
In Stony River, AK, the hair follicle drug testing process is straightforward and confidential. Ordering tests is simple, and acquiring results is both private and secure, addressing privacy and ease of use. Clients can confidently manage their testing needs without compromising their privacy.
Offering value, hair follicle drug testing in Stony River, AK, matches competitive prices with fast turnaround. Companies of various sizes benefit from economically structured pricing and prompt result delivery, ensuring excellent value without burdening budgets.
In Stony River, AK, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and rapid results. The method is incredibly reliable in detecting substance use, allowing for swift and accurate assessments that stand out against other testing options. With quick processing times, hair testing ensures timely delivery of results, beneficial for time-sensitive screenings.
Employers in Stony River, AK, find assurance in hair follicle testing thanks to its compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal liabilities and enhances workplace safety through precise and reliable results, offering peace of mind and policy adherence benefits.
