Hair Follicle Drug Testing - El Mirage, AZ

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has evolved into a robust mechanism for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the structure of the expanding hair strand, hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and other drugs. When collected near the scalp, hair can present approximately a three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (akin to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for evaluation and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. It's suggested to measure the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar amount of body hair may be obtained. When indicating head hair, it specifically relates to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types such as facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

The primary stages in processing a drug test result in the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of the sample into a lab's system. This process confirms that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and incorporates any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening comprises an initial prompt evaluation for substances of abuse. Though Screening is an economical solution to negate drug consumption in most samples, any positive screen must be corroborated to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that test positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.

If a sample shows a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which underlines why hair drug screening is the most intricate technique to conduct.

Verification of any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptively positive are cleaned before confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and in conformity with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection span: Hair drug tests can identify drug intake for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection span.
• Hard to manipulate: It is quite challenging to fiddle with a hair drug test, ensuring more precise results.
• Supplies historical insights: It can illustrate a pattern of drug consumption over time, not just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent consumption: It requires approximately 5-7 days for drugs to be noticeable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are generally pricier than other drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Factors such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in El Mirage, AZ

• Hair tests offer longer detection windows compared to urine tests.
• They provide a more accurate reading of long-term drug use.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in El Mirage, AZ

• Hair follicle tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days.
• This extended period allows employers to make informed decisions based on a person's substance history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in El Mirage, AZ

• Hair tests are hard to tamper with, providing more reliable results.
• The integrity of the sample is maintained, ensuring unquestionable findings.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in El Mirage, AZ

• Our testing centers are available nationwide for easy access.
• El Mirage residents can quickly find and utilize these testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in El Mirage, AZ

• The hair testing process is designed to be easy and private.
• Participants are assured of confidentiality from order to result receipt.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in El Mirage, AZ

• Our competitive pricing ensures excellent value.
• Fast turnaround times accommodate the needs of businesses of all sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in El Mirage, AZ

• Hair follicle tests provide fast and highly precise results, crucial for detecting substance use accurately.
• The quick analysis ensures timely results, making it ideal for urgent screenings.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in El Mirage, AZ

• Using hair tests ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
• Reduces legal risks and enhances safety in the work environment.

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