Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged historical record of drugs and alcohol by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use within an approximate three-month period. It is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, equates to 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG and additional tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen size of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, the same amount of body hair may be utilized. The term head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample within a laboratory's framework. This step involves checking that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not included via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. It is an economical way to eliminate drug usage in most samples; however, a positive Screen must be validated for court admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
In the event of a presumptively positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening as a methodology.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are utilized for the Confirmation of any positive Screening results. All samples that test presumptively positive are cleansed prior to Confirmation if required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Centennial Park, AZ, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests can detect drug use over a much longer period, up to 90 days, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history.
The hair test's extended detection window provides a distinct advantage, capturing instances that urine tests may miss, thereby offering a more reliable assessment.
In Centennial Park, AZ, one of the core advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. This allows for the assessment of drug use over a period of up to 90 days, providing employers with a detailed account of an individual's substance use history.
The longer detection window ensures that employers have access to valuable information about an applicant or employee's potential drug use, facilitating informed decision-making.
By utilizing hair follicle testing in Centennial Park, AZ, the risk of sample tampering is significantly minimized. The tamper-resistant nature of these tests ensures that results are reliable and trustworthy, providing unquestionable evidence of substance use.
This secure testing method safeguards against attempts to alter or manipulate test outcomes, fostering confidence in the accuracy of the results obtained.
Convenience is key with our nationwide network of testing centers, including in Centennial Park, AZ. Our locations offer access to quick and hassle-free testing services, emphasizing ease of access and convenience for all clients.
Whether local or elsewhere in the country, our widespread presence ensures that testing needs are met promptly and efficiently, eliminating unnecessary travel or delays.
In Centennial Park, AZ, our hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. The straightforward process from ordering to receiving results respects individual privacy while ensuring ease of use.
Clients can be assured that their personal information and test outcomes remain secure, addressing any privacy concerns efficiently and effectively.
We offer affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Centennial Park, AZ. Our competitive pricing ensures excellent value, appealing to companies of all sizes looking for cost-effective testing solutions.
The fast processing speed ensures businesses can quickly attain results, supporting prompt decision-making and maximizing organizational efficiency.
In Centennial Park, AZ, hair follicle drug tests offer remarkable precision and speed in identifying substance use. These tests stand out with their high accuracy, providing fast and reliable results that surpass other testing methods.
The efficiency of hair follicle testing is enhanced by its ability to deliver quick results, making it an invaluable tool for employers and individuals requiring rapid and trustworthy testing outcomes.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Centennial Park, AZ, supports compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This testing method aids employers in reducing legal risks associated with drug use in the workplace, fostering a safer and more compliant work environment.
By adopting hair follicle tests, employers can ensure adherence to policies, thereby enhancing peace of mind and promoting workplace safety.
