Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now acknowledged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. This method offers a historical record of drug and alcohol intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When samples are collected near the scalp, hair provides a detection period of up to three months for substances like alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, deemed ideal for both screening and confirmation. For additional analyses such as EtG or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler's scale is recommended for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is missing, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses facial, axillary, and other types.
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in processing a lab drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is processed into the laboratory’s system, ensuring it is sealed and transported correctly, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial, swift evaluation for the presence of drugs. While it serves as a budget-friendly method to dismiss most cases of drug usage, any positive results from Screening require confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Those samples identified as presumptive positives in Screening demand a secondary confirmation.
When a sample is presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is prepared from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are stripped from hair at lower concentrations than in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex to execute.
Confirming any positive screen result is executed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing, as needed, before confirmation. The complete lab journey from Accessioning to Confirmation is vetted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as “hair follicle tests,” this procedure actually examines the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Chiawuli Tak, AZ
The leading edge of hair follicle testing comes from its superior detection capabilities compared to urine tests. Its advantage lies in accuracy and reliability, making it the preferred choice for thorough substance screenings.
Extended Detection Window in Chiawuli Tak, AZ
Hair follicle testing offers a profound window of up to 90 days for drug detection. This extended timeline provides a comprehensive view into the individual's substance use history, aiding employment decisions significantly.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Chiawuli Tak, AZ
With a design that minimizes adulteration risks, hair follicle tests deliver reliable, trustworthy results. This method is nearly impervious to tampering, ensuring the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Chiawuli Tak, AZ
Our vast network of testing facilities ensures hassle-free access to drug testing, blending convenience with seamless service delivery.
Simple, Confidential Process in Chiawuli Tak, AZ
The testing process remains straightforward, offering privacy and ease for all users—from ordering the test to receiving results—all steps focus on confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Chiawuli Tak, AZ
Our affordable pricing model along with quick result times place us as a cost-effective solution for companies of any size, ensuring excellent value.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Chiawuli Tak, AZ
Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled accuracy and speed when identifying substance use. Their precision ensures reliable results that stakeholders can trust, providing clarity and confidence in the outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Chiawuli Tak, AZ
Incorporating hair follicle testing allows employers to comply with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities while promoting a safer work environment.