Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the strands, hair can archive a prolonged record of substance use. When gathered near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug presence for as long as three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp equates to 100mg—the optimal amount for analysis and confirmation. For tests like EtG, additional panels, or beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advised to use a jeweler's scale for measuring the sample. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair is permissible. When mentioning head hair, we only mean scalp hair, whereas body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process for analyzing a drug test in a lab comprises four fundamental phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes checking the sample's seal and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any needed data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While it’s an economical resolution for dismissing drug use in most samples, a screen with a positive flag must be verified to be legally acceptable. Samples deemed presumptively positive at Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should Screening suggest a presumptive positive, additional hair from the initial sample is utilized for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluid testing, making hair drug analysis notably demanding.
To confirm any preliminary positive results, methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. All samples flagged as positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis centers on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Cottonwood, AZ, hair follicle testing excels over urine tests because of its superior detection accuracy and lasting reliability. Hair tests can uncover a broader range of substances over a longer timeframe, providing a comprehensive view of substance history.
Traditional urine tests may miss traces of past drug use, while hair testing captures evidence from up to 90 days prior. This longer detection window grants companies the confidence needed to maintain safety and compliance.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Cottonwood, AZ offers a comprehensive analysis of an individual’s substance use. Hair tests can highlight drug use spanning up to 90 days, delivering a detailed look at an employee’s or applicant's history.
Employers benefit from this thorough assessment, gaining a deeper insight into the substance habits of their workforce. Understanding past drug use is crucial for making informed hiring and retention decisions.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Cottonwood, AZ, significantly minimizes the risk of sample falsification. Unlike urine tests, which can be adulterated, hair tests provide unambiguous results that are virtually impossible to manipulate.
Reliable outcomes support employers in establishing trust in the testing methods they choose, ensuring that results reflect true substance use. This reliability is essential for maintaining workplace integrity and safety.
In Cottonwood, AZ, and nationwide, finding testing centers is simple, ensuring ease of access to our services. Our widespread coverage provides the convenience employers and individuals need for timely and efficient testing.
No need to journey far for a test—our local and national locations offer hassle-free support, simplifying your testing process. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with reliable service from a network of trusted centers.
In Cottonwood, AZ, the process of ordering and taking a hair follicle test is straightforward and private. Confidentiality is a priority, ensuring concerns about privacy are addressed effectively.
Ease of use is ensured through our user-friendly procedures, offering a seamless experience from start to finish. Whether ordering or receiving results, our method maintains simplicity and confidentiality for all participants.
In Cottonwood, AZ, our hair follicle tests combine affordability with quick turnaround times, offering great value. Competitive pricing makes reliable drug testing accessible to businesses of all sizes.
We understand the importance of cost-effective solutions. Fast results and affordable rates mean your company can manage drug testing needs without financial strain, ensuring peace of mind at a value that matches your budget.
In Cottonwood, AZ, the hair follicle drug tests stand out due to their precision and swiftness. Hair testing offers high accuracy in identifying substance use, providing reliable and timely results that are crucial for making informed decisions quickly.
Accurate detection is vital, and hair tests fulfill this requirement by pinpointing drug use with great reliability. Their efficiency in processing time means that results can often be delivered faster than traditional methods, enhancing decision-making processes.
Employers in Cottonwood, AZ, can gain peace of mind through the compliance offered by hair follicle testing. Aligning with drug-free workplace policies is crucial in reducing legal risks and ensuring a safe work environment.
Hair testing helps uphold rigorous standards within organizations, promoting a secure and compliant work culture. Benefit from the reassurance that comes with reliable testing, and rest assured knowing that your workforce aligns with necessary safety protocols.
