Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive historical record of drug and alcohol intake by embedding biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When obtained from near the scalp, hair can provide an approximate detection timeframe of up to three months for drugs and alcohol. It is easy to collect hair, hard to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch segment, consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, provides 100mg, which is ideal for initial screening and verification. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler's scale. If head hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be obtained. In the context of head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair pertains to all other forms of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's database. This step includes confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any other data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid examination for substances of abuse. Screening serves as a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, yet a positive result requires confirmation to be admissible legally. Samples that exhibit a presumptive positive in Screening need further confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at a significantly lower concentration than with other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most challenging technique to implement.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positive outcomes are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and in line with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Cordes Lakes, AZ, outshines urine testing by providing unmatched detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which cover a shorter duration, hair tests offer a clearer, long-term view of substance use. This superior reliability makes hair testing the preferred choice for employers and professionals seeking to enforce stringent no-drug policies.
With an outstanding ability to detect drug use over 90 days, hair follicle testing in Cordes Lakes, AZ, offers employers an extensive insight into an individual's substance habits. This extended window proves invaluable for assessing employees or candidates, ensuring that past drug use does not go unnoticed, thereby enhancing the reliability of the hiring process.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Cordes Lakes, AZ, greatly diminishes the chances of adulteration. This testing method upholds the integrity of the results, providing indisputable and trustworthy data. Its secure process establishes a high standard in drug testing, ensuring confidence among employers and professionals.
Cordes Lakes, AZ, benefits from extensive national coverage and local convenience through Accredited Drug Testing's network of centers. Our strategically placed locations ensure that testing services are readily accessible, providing a seamless and efficient experience for individuals and organizations seeking reliable drug testing solutions nationwide.
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results in Cordes Lakes, AZ, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. This ensures that privacy concerns are addressed, and individuals find the procedure simple to navigate, adding to the appeal of hair testing for those valuing discretion and ease of use.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Cordes Lakes, AZ, delivers exceptional value to businesses of varying scales. These advantages provide cost-effective solutions without compromising quality, ensuring that expedient and precise drug testing is accessible to all, reinforcing fiscal responsibility.
In Cordes Lakes, AZ, hair follicle drug tests offer quick and precise results, setting a standard for reliability. The efficiency of these tests in detecting substance use is unmatched, ensuring that the results are both detailed and timely. This level of accuracy supports businesses and individuals alike in making well-informed decisions based on thorough substance use analyses.
Employers in Cordes Lakes, AZ, gain peace of mind through compliance with drug-free workplace policies via hair follicle testing. By reducing legal liabilities and enhancing safety standards, hair testing serves as a bulwark against substance abuse, fortifying a secure and harmonious work environment where productivity and safety are paramount.