Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term record of drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing roughly 200 hair strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning begins the sample's integration into a lab's system. This stage includes confirming proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a quick preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive result necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive require a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluids), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Any positive findings from screening are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing as needed before confirmation. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Choosing hair follicle testing in First Mesa, AZ, over urine testing offers several advantages. The accuracy of detection and the reliability of results make it a superior option. Hair testing extends the detection window, capturing a broader spectrum of substance use history.
Hair follicle testing in First Mesa, AZ, provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of an employee's substance use history, beyond the capabilities of urine testing.
One of the major advantages of hair follicle testing in First Mesa, AZ, is its tamper-resistant nature. It significantly reduces the chance of sample adulteration, providing reliable and credible results that are hard to dispute.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including ones in First Mesa, AZ, our services guarantee easy and accessible drug testing. Our widespread locations make it straightforward for individuals and businesses alike to access our facilities without hassle.
In First Mesa, AZ, our hair follicle testing process is not only simple but also confidential. This ensures that ordering, conducting the test, and receiving results is an easy process that safeguards privacy, addressing concerns with ease and discretion.
We provide affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for drug tests in First Mesa, AZ. Our competitive pricing structure ensures excellent value, catering to the needs of businesses of various sizes without compromising on quality.
In First Mesa, AZ, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their speed and precision, offering quick results. This method delivers highly accurate readings by detecting traces of substances over a longer timeframe compared to traditional testing methods.
Employers in First Mesa, AZ, achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. It mitigates legal risks and enhances safety, offering peace of mind and ensuring a progressive workplace environment.