Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strand retains biomarkers within its fibers, reflecting a lengthy history of use. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeframe of roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and simple to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hairs (mirroring the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, a suitable quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary, and/or expansive panel tests (beyond 10), 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample weight is suggested. Should scalp hair be absent, an equivalent measure of body hair can be collected. In discussions of head hair, this pertains solely to scalp hair. All other types (facial, axillary, etc.) fall under body hair.
Process Overview
The major phases in processing a drug test result in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, a sample first enters the lab’s system. This step ensures proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might miss.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although it is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive Screening must be validated for court acceptance. Samples that test presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is used for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex technique.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before Confirmation as necessary. The complete lab workflow from Accessioning through to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why choose hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Womens Bay, AK? Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy, capturing drug use over extended periods, unlike urine tests which have shorter detection windows. This makes hair testing more reliable, providing a comprehensive view into an individual's substance consumption habits.
Hair follicle testing in Womens Bay, AK, allows for the detection of drug use over a much longer timeframe, often up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers with a detailed understanding of an employee or applicant's substance use history, supporting better-informed decision-making.
In Womens Bay, AK, hair follicle testing is known for its resistance to tampering. The method significantly reduces the chances of sample adulteration, offering results that are both reliable and difficult to question, thus providing peace of mind to those who rely on these results for critical decisions.
With testing centers across the nation, including Womens Bay, AK, accessing hair follicle testing services has never been more convenient. This widespread network ensures quick, simple, and hassle-free testing for individuals and organizations alike, making the process as smooth as possible.
The process of ordering a hair follicle test in Womens Bay, AK, is both simple and confidential. From initiation to receiving results, every step is designed with privacy in mind, ensuring users can proceed with the assurance that their personal information and results remain secure.
Our hair follicle testing services in Womens Bay, AK, are not only accurate and reliable but also affordable. We offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, providing excellent value and reassurance to businesses of all sizes looking to maintain a drug-free environment.
In Womens Bay, AK, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their unparalleled precision and swiftness. These tests offer not only rapid results but also a high level of accuracy, making them an excellent choice for detecting substance use. Their reliability is unmatched, providing detailed insights into an individual's drug history.
Employers in Womens Bay, AK, benefit from hair follicle testing as it ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This testing method helps mitigate legal risks and enhances the safety of the workplace by providing a trustworthy means of analyzing drug use.
