Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a historical record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. Collected from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to three months for substances. It is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring approximately 1.5 inches and consisting of around 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil size) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for testing and confirmation purposes. For tests such as EtG, additional panels, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. Usage of a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. The term head hair refers specifically to scalp hair. Other types of hair such as facial or axillary are classified as body hair.
Process Overview
There are four fundamental stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first stage where a sample is integrated into the lab’s system. This step ensures that the sample is sealed and transported correctly, generates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial quick examination for illicit substances. While Screening serves as a cost-effective means to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening are subject to secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a complex methodology.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes employs techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, presumptive positive samples are cleaned as needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly dubbed "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Todd, AK, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering greater accuracy and reliability. Hair tests capture a broader detection window, providing insight into long-term substance use rather than just recent activity.
Employers and courts favor hair testing due to its robustness and resistance to tampering, unlike urine tests which can be easily manipulated.
With its extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Todd, AK, reveals drug use over a prolonged period of up to 90 days. This comprehensive view is invaluable for employers seeking to understand an employee's or applicant's substance history thoroughly.
Extended detection periods are key for maintaining a drug-free workplace through serious assessment.
In Todd, AK, hair follicle testing stands as a tamper-resistant method, significantly minimizing the chance of sample adulteration. Its rigorous collection process ensures samples remain uncontaminated and results reliable.
Reliable test methods provide assurance and confidence in the most demanding environments, deterring any fraudulent attempts.
Accredited Drug Testing features convenient nationwide testing locations, including those in Todd, AK. Our local centers offer easy and hassle-free access to testing services, ensuring no delay in the crucial testing processes.
Nationwide accessibility coupled with local convenience provides complete solutions to meet your testing needs efficiently.
In Todd, AK, Accredited Drug Testing offers a simple and confidential drug testing process. From ordering to sample collection and results, everything is designed for privacy and ease of use.
Confidential services ensure participants' privacy, allowing them a stress-free experience through streamlined procedures and secure handling of results.
Accredited Drug Testing in Todd, AK, champions affordable pricing and swift turnaround, providing excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Our competitive structures offer anxiety-free access to quality testing.
Efficient pricing and service delivery make us a preferred choice, turning quality testing into a viable financial option for any company.
Hair follicle drug tests in Todd, AK, offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. The analytical precision of this testing method gives users confidence in detecting a wide range of substances with high accuracy. Their rapid processing time ensures that individuals and organizations get timely results to make informed decisions.
Quick turnaround times and accuracy make it ideal for urgent testing needs without sacrificing quality.
Hair follicle testing promotes compliance and peace of mind for employers in Todd, AK. By maintaining drug-free workplace policies and reducing legal risks, firms experience enhanced safety and assurance.
Peace of mind through reliable testing compliance ensures legal and social accountability, bolstering company drug policies.
