Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can indicate alcohol and drug presence for up to three months. Collection is straightforward, making it challenging to tamper with and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample composed of roughly 200 strands (analogous to a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg, an ideal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, it's advisable to collect 150mg. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. Our reference to head hair denotes scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of drug test results involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of the sample into the laboratory system, which includes checking proper sealing and shipment, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing any additional data not provided by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening consists of an initial assessment for drug presence. It's a cost-effective approach for excluding drug use in most samples, but positive findings require confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples that show presumptive positivity during Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, further hair from the original sample is used for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), hence making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed prior to confirmation, if necessary. The entire protocol, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the guidelines of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the assessment is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cochise, AZ. Hair analysis offers superior detection accuracy, encompassing a longer detection window than traditional urine tests. The reliability of hair testing makes it the optimal choice for those seeking thorough drug screening.
While urine tests serve well for recent drug use detection, hair tests delve deep into an individual's substance use history, providing a much more comprehensive overview that can’t be matched by urine analysis. This longer timeframe aids employers and justice systems in making informed decisions.
Extended Detection Window in Cochise, AZ. With its capability of detecting drug use up to 90 days prior, hair follicle testing offers a comprehensive view of a person’s substance use history. Employers get valuable insights into an individual's behavior over time.
Such extended coverage allows workplaces and legal systems to monitor and evaluate drug usage thoroughly, ensuring that both employers and legal professionals can maintain safe and compliant environments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cochise, AZ. Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the chance of sample manipulation, providing results that remain unquestionable and steadfast. This robust method is crucial for enforcing strict drug policies.
By circumventing the common pitfalls of fraud often associated with urine testing, hair analysis stands as the unassailable method of choice, securing genuine and reliable data for superior testing assurance.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cochise, AZ. Our nationwide network of testing centers provides quick, hassle-free access to testing services, ensuring minimal disruption to your schedule.
Whether you’re in a bustling city or a rural area, our comprehensive network ensures that testing services are within reach, providing convenience and flexibility for individuals and businesses alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cochise, AZ. Our procedure for ordering, administering, and receiving hair test results is straightforward and private, ensuring user confidence and ease of access.
Emphasizing privacy, we streamline the testing process so that results are handled discreetly and efficiently, providing peace of mind for those concerned about confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cochise, AZ. Our competitive pricing ensures that you receive excellent value, while our efficient processes guarantee quick result delivery, meeting the needs of companies of all sizes.
You can rely on us for cost-effective solutions that do not compromise on quality or speed, allowing for swift decision-making and financial peace.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cochise, AZ. Hair follicle testing stands out for its precision and swift results. These tests excel in accuracy, ensuring dependable detection of substance use, giving you confidence in the results you receive.
Employers and individuals alike benefit from the quick processing times of hair drug tests, which deliver results you can trust. This efficiency ensures prompt decision-making and strengthens the reliability of your drug screening processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cochise, AZ. Employing hair follicle tests ensures compliance with stringent zero-tolerance workplace policies, leading to reduced legal risks and enhanced workplace safety.
With this method, employers effectively align with best practices in drug policy enforcement, thus fostering an environment that prioritizes safety, legality, and peace of mind for all parties involved.