Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, the hair offers a detection window for alcohol and drugs of approximately three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 hair strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, considered the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. The specimen should be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. By head hair, we mean scalp hair solely. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the laboratory comprises four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's initial setup into the laboratory’s system, including confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry unprovided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be court-admissible. Samples suggesting positive results in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for preparation in Extraction. This step extracts drugs from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening as the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Artesia, AZ, surpasses urine testing by offering superior detection accuracy over traditional methods.
The advantage lies in its extended detection period, revealing drug use patterns that urine tests might miss.
Employers and professionals value the reliability and thoroughness of hair analysis, which provides a more complete assessment of substance use history compared to urine testing.
In Artesia, AZ, hair follicle testing identifies drug use across an extended 90-day period, granting employers a detailed perspective on an individual’s substance history.
This prolonged detection window enables companies to make informed hiring decisions and maintain workplace safety by viewing a broader spectrum of past drug interactions.
Such a comprehensive approach is pivotal in understanding potential risks associated with substance misuse, promoting better decision-making.
The hair follicle testing method in Artesia, AZ, provides a tamper-resistant solution, significantly diminishing the likelihood of sample adulteration.
This method ensures results that are both reliable and irrefutable.
Employers and legal systems benefit from such robust testing practices, trusting the integrity of the results obtained through hair testing, which maintains its status as a foolproof procedure against tampering attempts.
Enjoy the convenience of comprehensive testing with nationwide locations and local centers in Artesia, AZ.
Our expansive reach ensures swift and hassle-free access to reliable hair follicle drug testing services.
In Artesia, AZ, ordering, completing, and receiving hair follicle test results is a simple and confidential process.
Clients are assured a smooth experience, prioritizing privacy and ease of use throughout.
Offering affordable pricing with swift turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Artesia, AZ, caters to companies of all sizes, delivering valuable services without compromising on quality.
The competitive rates and quick results ensure businesses of all scales receive great value while gaining peace of mind. Confidently manage company testing needs with reliable and budget-friendly solutions for comprehensive drug screening.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests in Artesia, AZ, are unparalleled. Hair testing provides exceptional accuracy in spotting substance use, making it a preferred choice among testing methods. Accuracy is crucial in ensuring dependable results, and hair follicle testing does not disappoint in this regard.
With quick processing times, individuals and companies can rely on this test for timely and precise results, reducing anxiety and ensuring integrity.
Employers in Artesia, AZ, gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing adherence to drug-free policies.
This method effectively reduces legal risks while enhancing workplace safety, ensuring compliance.
By incorporating thorough testing procedures, organizations can confidently enforce regulations, mitigating concerns surrounding employee substance abuse and its potential implications on productivity and security.
