Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are increasingly regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands capture biomarkers over time, creating a lengthy timeline of alcohol and substance history. Hair obtained near the scalp can reveal a detection period of around 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to collect, hard to tamper with, and effortless to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) cut nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis and verification. For add-ons like EtG or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We advocate using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. In instances where scalp hair isn't accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. 'Head hair' exclusively refers to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The comprehensive processing of a drug test result at a laboratory involves four major phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails incorporating a sample into a laboratory's framework. This step involves verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial cursory examination for substances. While economic for dismissing drug use in most cases, any positive screen must be confirmed to be court-admissible. Samples that presumptively test positive require subsequent confirmation.
Should a specimen test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmations for any positive screenings are performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Moreover, all presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. Every step in the laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the test evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Catalina, AZ
Hair follicle testing offers advantages over traditional urine tests through enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Employees bound by zero-tolerance policies benefit from hair testing’s ability to trace drug use more effectively. While urine tests detect recent use more precisely, hair testing opens a broader window of detection that supports longer-term substance monitoring.
Extended Detection Window in Catalina, AZ
The benefit of hair follicle drug testing lies in its extensive detection window, which can span up to 90 days. This long-term view is invaluable for employers seeking a comprehensive understanding of potential substance use in their workforce, helping to maintain a safe, productive workplace in Catalina, AZ.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Catalina, AZ
With hair follicle drug tests, the risk of sample adulteration is significantly minimized, ensuring more consistent and unquestionable results. This method stands strong against manipulation, providing a reliable approach for accurate drug testing across Catalina, AZ. Reliability without doubt ensures the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Catalina, AZ
With our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including Catalina, AZ, we provide easy and convenient access for anyone needing drug testing services. This network allows tests to be taken without the hassle and ensures quick and straightforward procedures for employers and individuals alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Catalina, AZ
The process of ordering, conducting, and obtaining results from a hair follicle test is designed to be straightforward and confidential. In Catalina, AZ, testing is simplified with privacy considered at every step, addressing common concerns around confidentiality and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Catalina, AZ
Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, hair follicle tests in Catalina, AZ, provide excellent value. Our service ensures that results are not only reliable but also delivered swiftly, making it a preferred option for businesses seeking cost-effective and timely drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Catalina, AZ
Hair follicle drug tests provide a rapid, reliable, and precise means of identifying substance use, offering results that are hard to dispute. The process is not just speedy but ensures that substance detection is as accurate as possible. In Catalina, AZ, leveraging hair testing ensures that the results are dependable, helping organizations make informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Catalina, AZ
Using hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing the potential for legal complications and enhancing overall workplace safety. Employers in Catalina, AZ, gain peace of mind knowing their testing method is compliant and greatly reduces chances of policy violations.
