Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of substances by embedding indicators within the strands of hair that grow. A sample taken near the scalp can furnish a detection timeline of up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is uncomplicated, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A specimen measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields approximately 100mg, suitable for evaluation and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is advised. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable volume of body hair can be substituted. When mentioning head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair. Body hair includes other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the initial input of a sample into the laboratory's framework. This step ensures that the sample is correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional required data documentation not handled by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for detecting drug usage. Even though Screening offers a cost-efficient method to exclude drug consumption in most cases, any positive outcomes need validation to be legally defensible. Samples presumed positive during Screening are subject to further confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug testing.
All positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples suspected of being positive are cleaned before confirmation when needed. The total laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle present beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Black Canyon City, AZ, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing through superior detection accuracy and reliability. This method is less susceptible to tampering and offers an extended detection window, measuring drug presence for up to 90 days. It outshines traditional urine tests, which often capture only recent drug use, providing a more comprehensive assessment of an individual's substance history.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in Black Canyon City, AZ, identifies drug use over an extended period, covering up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an applicant's or employee's drug history. Unlike shorter-term tests, this method provides a detailed view, aiding in informed decision-making regarding hiring and workforce management.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Black Canyon City, AZ, the hair follicle test offers an advanced level of security. By significantly lowering the chances of sample adulteration, this method ensures that results remain dependable and beyond reproach. The rigorous collection process safeguards the integrity, giving peace of mind to organizations dedicated to maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
In Black Canyon City, AZ, our testing services benefit from a broad network of nationwide centers. This means immediate and easy access to drug testing is available, offering convenience and ease for businesses and individuals. Enjoy hassle-free services with quick access to essential testing resources.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Black Canyon City, AZ, the process for hair follicle testing ensures ease and privacy. From ordering to results delivery, each step is straightforward. Clients are assured of confidentiality throughout, meeting privacy concerns while maintaining a simple and effective drug testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Our hair follicle testing in Black Canyon City, AZ, features competitive pricing plans and prompt turnaround times. These services provide excellent value, meeting the needs of companies of all sizes. Benefit from cost-effective and timely solutions for comprehensive drug screening.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Black Canyon City, AZ, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. This testing method has a high accuracy rate, ensuring dependable detection of substance use. When timely and correct results are imperative, hair analysis delivers exceptional performance for both individuals and organizations seeking thorough insights into drug use patterns.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Hair follicle testing in Black Canyon City, AZ, promotes compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal risks while enhancing safety by providing reliable screening results. Employers adopting this method can assure stakeholders of their commitment to a safe, compliant, and healthy working environment.
