Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has been recognized as an influential approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair gives a comprehensive history of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the emerging hair strand. When obtained from near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection range of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal specimen for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be gathered. In terms of head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and delivered, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input absent in an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in a legal context. Samples that present presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are drawn from hair at a lesser concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most complex method to execute.
Verification of any positive screen result is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptive positives are cleansed as required before confirmation. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", this analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle located beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fountain Hills, AZ: Hair tests offer significant advantages over urine screenings, providing a more reliable and accurate detection of substance use over time. Whereas urine tests detect recent usage, hair follicle tests capture a longer history, ensuring that employers in Fountain Hills have a clear picture of an individual's substance habits, greatly enhancing trustworthiness.
Extended Detection Window in Fountain Hills, AZ: Hair follicle tests provide the ability to view up to 90 days of drug use history. This extensive detection period allows employers in Fountain Hills to gain comprehensive insights into potential employees' substance habits, ensuring informed decision-making. The test's unmatched retrospective scope sets it apart from other testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fountain Hills, AZ: Hair follicle testing offers a robust defense against adulteration, establishing its reputation as a secure choice. The difficulty in cheating or manipulating these tests gives confidence to businesses in Fountain Hills, knowing that results are trustworthy and beyond reproach, ensuring an accurate measure of substance use with each testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fountain Hills, AZ: With numerous testing centers nationwide, including local options in Fountain Hills, accessing hair follicle testing is convenient and hassle-free. The broad network ensures that businesses and individuals can receive quick and easy testing services, reducing the time and complexity typically associated with drug testing processes.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fountain Hills, AZ: Ordering and obtaining a hair follicle test is both easy and private. In Fountain Hills, the process is designed to safeguard confidentiality, reassuring those concerned about privacy. From initiation to receiving results, the streamlined process emphasizes anonymity and comfort, ensuring user trust and satisfaction.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fountain Hills, AZ: Competitive pricing paired with quick result delivery offers an attractive proposition for both small and large companies. Offering prompt responses and competitive rates enables businesses in Fountain Hills to manage their testing needs cost-effectively while guaranteeing reliable outcomes and reassuring employment safety protocols.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fountain Hills, AZ: Hair follicle drug testing stands out for both its precision and swift results. In Fountain Hills, this method rapidly delivers results with unparalleled accuracy, ensuring a dependable measure of substance use. The hair test's comprehensive nature makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a quick, yet thoroughly precise testing outcome.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fountain Hills, AZ: Offering hair follicle testing helps maintain compliance with drug-free workplace regulations. Employers can feel confident in minimizing legal risks while simultaneously reinforcing workplace safety. In Fountain Hills, this testing method enhances operational peace of mind by ensuring that employment is free from drug influence.