Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Through its increasing perception as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing has gained prominence. The strands of hair, by encapsulating biomarkers within their fibers, offer an extended overview of any alcohol and drug intake. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to a three-month duration. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easily transported.
An optimal hair collection involves a 1.5-inch portion comprising roughly 200 strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from close to the scalp, producing 100mg for effective screening and validation. For tests beyond 10 panels, including EtG and additional analyses, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to determine the specimen's weight. Should scalp hair be absent, a similar quantity of body hair could suffice. By head hair, we signify only scalp hair. Meanwhile, body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of drug test results entails four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase of integrating a sample into the lab's system. This stage includes checks for proper sealing and shipment of the sample, issuing a distinct LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional information entry potentially missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening establishes an initial, rapid assessment for substance misuse. While Screening economically dismisses drug use for most samples, a positive screening result necessitates confirmation for court acceptability. Presumptively positive samples found during Screening must undergo a secondary verification.
For samples deemed likely positive at Screening, additional hair from the primary sample undergoes preparation for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at a notably reduced concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), underscoring hair testing as the most complex to execute.
The method of Confirmation for any positive screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Pre-confirmation, all samples marked presumptive positive undergo necessary washing. The comprehensive laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is regulated by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Cactus Flats, AZ, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing due to superior detection accuracy and reliability. Employers seeking dependable results often prefer hair tests over traditional methods. The increased detection window and tamper-proof nature of hair testing make it a favored choice over more conventional urine tests.
One major benefit of hair follicle tests in Cactus Flats, AZ, is their prolonged detection time frame—up to 90 days. This extended window gives employers a detailed overview of an individual's substance habits, far exceeding the shorter periods associated with traditional tests, like urine testing.
Maximize test integrity with hair follicle testing in Cactus Flats, AZ, which significantly curtails tampering risks. Offering dependable and indisputable results, these tests reduce the likelihood of sample adulteration, providing more reliable assessments than typical alternatives such as urine tests.
Offering vast convenience, our testing services in Cactus Flats, AZ, complement our nationwide network of testing centers. This network ensures quick, straightforward, and hassle-free access to drug testing facilities, establishing a seamless experience for users.
The hair follicle testing process in Cactus Flats, AZ, is both simple and confidential. From ordering, and taking, to receiving results, every step prioritizes user privacy and ease-of-use, catering to individuals concerned about discretion and simplicity.
Our services in Cactus Flats, AZ, provide affordable pricing for hair follicle drug tests with fast turnover. Our competitive cost structure and swift processing times make us a cost-effective solution for companies seeking excellent value and peace of mind.
Hair follicle drug tests in Cactus Flats, AZ, deliver quick, accurate, and reliable results. These tests offer high precision in detecting substance use, which is crucial for employers demanding rapid and trustworthy outcomes. The ability of hair testing to reliably indicate drug use within an extended period sets it apart from older testing methods.
Hair follicle testing offers Cactus Flats, AZ employers compliance and tranquility in adherence to drug-free workplace policies. By reducing potential legal liabilities and promoting workplace safety, hair testing is an essential strategy for maintaining an ethical working environment.
