Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair evaluations are now recognized as an effective measure for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer an extended timeline of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, the hair can reveal about a 3-month period of substance history. The process of gathering hair is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. In the context of head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages involved in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample within a lab's system. This process includes confirming that the sample was correctly packaged and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary examination for substance abuse. While Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive outcome necessitates confirmation to be valid legally. Any samples showing a presumptive positive during Screening do need further verification.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is the most complex method to conduct.
Verification of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumptive as positive undergo a cleansing process before confirmation as required. The full lab procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is reviewed in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually analyzes the hair strand above the scalp, not the follicle beneath it.
In Carrizo, AZ, hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine tests by offering superior detection capability. Unlike urine tests, which have a limited detection period, hair testing can identify drug use up to 90 days. This ensures more comprehensive screening, providing a clearer picture of an individual's substance use over time, thereby improving reliability and accuracy.
In Carrizo, AZ, the hair follicle testing method offers an extended detection window, accurately identifying drug use within 90 days. This duration provides employers with a broader and more detailed understanding of an individual's substance history, greatly surpassing the timeframe of traditional testing methods.
In Carrizo, AZ, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method that minimizes the risk of sample manipulation. Due to the stringent collection and analysis process, it delivers highly reliable and unimpeachable results, providing an assurance of authenticity. This reliability is paramount for employers and authorities seeking unquestionable drug test evidence.
Convenience is key with our testing centers situated across the nation, including Carrizo, AZ, ensuring accessible and trouble-free service. Nationwide availability of hair follicle testing centers translates to quick and efficient testing for clients, providing seamless access to our highly reliable service offerings wherever needed.
In Carrizo, AZ, the process for hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, every step is focused on protecting individual privacy while maintaining ease of use. This ensures a straightforward yet discreet experience for everyone involved.
Our hair follicle drug testing services in Carrizo, AZ, feature affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times. By providing this cost-effective solution, businesses of all sizes can benefit from exceptional value without compromising service quality, ensuring both fiscal prudence and peace of mind.
The hair follicle drug test provides fast, accurate results in Carrizo, AZ. This testing method is renowned for its high precision in identifying substance usage over a longer duration compared to other methods. By employing advanced testing techniques, it ensures an enhanced level of accuracy, facilitating swift and reliable detection of drug use, aiding employers in making informed decisions.
For employers in Carrizo, AZ, hair follicle testing facilitates compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal exposure and ensuring a safety net aligned with standard regulations. The peace of mind derived from utilizing this meticulous testing approach enhances workplace safety, fulfilling necessary legal requirements.
