Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substances like alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to about three months for substances like alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 strands of hair (around the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample weight. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be utilized. When we mention head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Summary
The laboratory processing of a drug test comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample into a lab’s framework. This step involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid examination for substances of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient way to exclude drug use for the majority of samples, a positive screen must be verified to be permissible in legal situations. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening do need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptive positive during the Screening phase, more hair is retrieved from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is viewed as the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that are presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often described as "hair follicle tests", the test scrutinizes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Catalina Foothills, AZ, surpasses traditional urine testing. Its major edge lies in its accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer a more comprehensive history of drug use and are less prone to manipulation, making them a superior choice for accurate detection.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing provides a higher accuracy in detecting a wide range of substances. This superior capability reduces the risk of false results and enhances trust in the testing process.
Hair follicle testing in Catalina Foothills, AZ, boasts an extended detection window that can track drug use for up to 90 days. This provides employers with a detailed insight into an individual's substance use history, which is crucial for assessing long-term behavior.
The extended detection capabilities offer employers a broader scope into an applicant's past behavior. Such detailed information becomes invaluable in maintaining the integrity and safety of the work environment.
Hair follicle tests in Catalina Foothills, AZ, have a built-in tamper-resistant nature. By nature, they minimize the chances of sample substitution or adulteration, standing as a pillar of reliability and confidence in the testing results.
The process of collecting hair samples is highly resistant to attempts of tampering. This reinforces the credibility of the tests, ensuring that results are both dependable and unquestionable for any organization.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations across the country, including Catalina Foothills, AZ. This ensures easy, fast, and hassle-free access to testing services for individuals and businesses alike.
With our extensive network of testing centers, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is highly convenient. Our strategic locations ensure that clients can easily comply with testing requirements without logistical hurdles.
In Catalina Foothills, AZ, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. The straightforward procedure from ordering to results maintains privacy and ease, addressing any concerns users may have about the process.
The confidentiality of the testing process ensures that participants feel secure. The seamless experience of ordering, taking, and receiving results helps maintain the integrity of the results while ensuring participant privacy.
Accredited Drug Testing in Catalina Foothills, AZ, offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structures paired with speedy result delivery provide immense value, benefiting organizations of different scales.
The combination of cost-effectiveness and rapid service delivery means that companies can maintain their due diligence without breaking the bank. This ensures efficient drug-testing operations with peace of mind.
In Catalina Foothills, AZ, hair follicle drug tests are hailed for their speed and accuracy. They are highly effective in picking up on substance use, providing results that are both precise and quick. This method's accuracy stands paramount, often identifying substances that other methods might miss.
The reliability of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched. In high-pressure environments where fast results are needed, these tests provide clarity on any substance use, ensuring the safety and compliance standards of the workplace.
Employers in Catalina Foothills, AZ, find hair follicle testing instrumental for compliance and ensuring a drug-free workplace. It significantly lowers legal risks and enhances workplace safety, promoting overall peace of mind for employers.
By adhering to drug-free policies through hair testing, companies experience reduced liabilities. This safety measure not only upholds company standards but also fosters a more secure working environment for all employees.
