Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now acknowledged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term profile of drugs and alcohol by encasing biomarkers within the hair's fibers. A sample taken near the scalp can extend the detection period of drugs and alcohol up to roughly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of approximately 200 strands (equivalent to the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg—the optimal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When we mention head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test encompasses four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This process ensures the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any missing data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody is addressed.
Screening involves an expedited initial examination for the presence of drugs. Despite being a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a confirmatory analysis is necessary for any positive results to be deemed acceptable in legal settings. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening need subsequent confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive at the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing among the most complex methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected both under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and the ISO/IEC 17025 certification standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly dubbed as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle located under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Whitestone Logging Camp, AK, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. The extended window of detection and difficulty in adulterating samples make hair tests a preferred choice, offering a more comprehensive assessment of substance use patterns over time.
Extended Detection Window
For employers in Whitestone Logging Camp, AK, hair follicle testing offers the advantage of detecting drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This comprehensive detection window allows a deeper insight into an individual's substance history, ensuring informed and responsible employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the risk of sample alteration, providing reliable results that are hard to manipulate. In Whitestone Logging Camp, AK, this makes hair testing an indispensable tool for ensuring the integrity of drug testing results, instilling trust and confidence in the process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Accredited Drug Testing offers accessible locations across Whitestone Logging Camp, AK, and beyond, providing fast and easy testing services. With our extensive network of centers, individuals can conveniently access our services, ensuring a hassle-free testing experience.
Simple, Confidential Process
The hair follicle testing procedure in Whitestone Logging Camp, AK, is designed to be straightforward and private. From ordering to obtaining results, our system ensures confidentiality, alleviating concerns about privacy while making the entire process user-friendly and efficient.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Whitestone Logging Camp, AK, our hair follicle testing services are competitively priced, providing exceptional value. The rapid processing of tests ensures quick turnarounds, enabling companies to receive accurate results rapidly, enhancing decision-making capabilities without incurring high costs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug testing make it a preferred choice in Whitestone Logging Camp, AK. This method offers highly accurate detection of substance use, providing quick and trustworthy results. The speed at which the results are generated ensures individuals and employers can make timely decisions with confidence, emphasizing the method's efficiency.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Whitestone Logging Camp, AK, can benefit from hair follicle testing to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks, enhances safety, and offers peace of mind, ensuring that companies are aligned with regulatory standards and employee welfare.
