Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Cibola, AZ

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying substance use involving drugs and alcohol. Hair offers a prolonged history of such use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can present a detection period of around 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG testing, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a sample weight of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for measurement. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. Mention of head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key procedures in lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation phases.

Accessioning pertains to the primary processing of a sample within a lab's framework. This process involves checking that the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any extra data entries that an electronic chain of custody system doesn't cover.

Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substance misuse. Although Screening is a cost-savvy method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screening must be verified to be valid in court settings. Any samples that indicate a presumptive positive during Screening require secondary confirmation.

If a screening stage sample appears presumptively positive, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are isolated from hair at a much reduced concentration compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening among the most complex methodologies to conduct.

Verification of all positive screening outcomes is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples presumptive of positive must be cleansed prior to confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny from both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection duration: Hair drug tests can determine drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection period.
• Resistance to tampering: Tampering with a hair drug test is exceedingly challenging, providing more reliable results.
• Historical usage information: It delivers a usage trend of drugs over time, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent consumption: It typically takes 5-7 days for substances to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are usually pricier compared to other drug testing approaches.
• Result inconsistencies: Elements like hair color and personal hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although frequently referred to as "hair follicle tests," the procedure actually examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Cibola, AZ, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests due to its superior accuracy and reliability. Hair tests boast an extended detection window and reduce the chances of manipulation, ensuring trustworthy results, whereas urine tests may not offer the same level of consistency over time.

Extended Detection Window

With a detection period of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Cibola, AZ provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history. Employers benefit from this extended timeframe, gaining a broader perspective when assessing applicants or monitoring current employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Cibola, AZ significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering. This method hinders attempts to alter or falsify test results, providing reliable, tamper-proof evidence of substance use and ensuring the credibility of the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience with its nationwide and local centers in Cibola, AZ. These easily accessible locations guarantee prompt and efficient services, reducing the hassle and time involved in acquiring reliable drug testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Cibola, AZ is designed to be straightforward and confidential. The ease of ordering, conducting the test, and receiving results ensures that user privacy is respected, promoting an accessible and stress-free experience for all involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Cibola, AZ, we offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing, providing excellent value for businesses of various sizes. This cost-effective solution ensures companies can remain informed and secure without breaking the budget.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Cibola, AZ offer rapid and accurate results, making them a preferred choice for substance detection. With their impressive precision, these tests can identify drug use effectively and efficiently, providing individuals and organizations with reliable insights quickly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Cibola, AZ gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. These tests support drug-free workplace policies, helping reduce legal risks and foster a safe, productive work environment, ensuring adherence to safety standards and guidelines.

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