Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When harvested near the scalp, it offers a detection period for alcohol and drugs of up to around three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tough to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, supplies 100mg of hair, which is ideal for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" pertains to all other styles (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is integrated into the lab's system. It involves confirming the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick scan for drugs of abuse. Although it is a cost-efficient method for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to stand up in court. Samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening need secondary validation.
When a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than those found in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening one of the toughest methodologies to execute.
Confirmation tests for any positive screening outcomes are conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and in compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Cornfields, AZ, hair follicle testing offers substantial advantages over traditional urine tests. The comprehensive detection period of up to 90 days allows employers and authorities a more thorough assessment of an individual's drug use history, surpassing the limitations of urine-based testing.
One of the standout features of hair follicle drug tests in Cornfields, AZ, is their extended detection window. Lasting up to 90 days, this prolonged period provides employers with a clear insight into an individual's substance history, painting a complete picture of behaviour over time.
By choosing hair follicle testing in Cornfields, AZ, the risk of sample adulteration is greatly diminished. The method's design makes tampering nearly impossible, delivering reliable results that maintain integrity and trustworthiness, unlike other testing options susceptible to manipulation.
With convenient locations spread across the country and in Cornfields, AZ, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. Individuals and employers can easily schedule testing at nearby facilities, ensuring quick and efficient service without unnecessary delays.
The hair follicle testing process in Cornfields, AZ is crafted to be simple and confidential. Clients can order and take tests with ease, knowing that their privacy is protected. Results are delivered securely, ensuring individuals' concerns about discretion and simplicity are fully addressed.
In Cornfields, AZ, hair follicle testing comes with competitive pricing and swift turnaround times. The affordability of these tests, coupled with the speed of obtaining results, offers companies unmatched value and dependable service, regardless of their size or need.
The precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug tests set them apart when it comes to detecting substance use in Cornfields, AZ. Their high reliability makes them an ideal choice for employers seeking assurance. With swift return times, these tests ensure that results are both fast and accurate, catching any illicit drug use effectively.
Employers in Cornfields, AZ, benefit significantly from hair follicle testing by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This approach reduces potential legal risks and promotes a safer working environment, providing peace of mind for employers and compliance with necessary regulations.
