Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair sampling is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended overview of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in the hair’s growing strands. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to three months. The collection process for hair is straightforward, it's hard to tamper with, and shipping is convenient.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides approximately 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both initial analysis and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advocated. It's advisable to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If there's no scalp hair available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. The term "head hair" strictly pertains to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug test laboratory procedure consists of four essential phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the foundational step where the sample is entered into a lab's system. This stage ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data input that the electronic chain of custody might not cover.
Screening performs a quick preliminary analysis for substance abuse. This cost-effective method mostly eliminates the possibility of drug use but requires confirmation for legal credibility if the result is positive. Samples indicative of a positive result in Screening proceed to secondary validation.
If a positive indication arises during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is used for Extraction. This step isolates drugs from hair, at concentrations lower than seen in urine or oral fluid tests, making hair analysis one of the most challenging to execute.
Validation of any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Pre-confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are appropriately cleaned. Every phase from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to rigorous review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The test frequently labeled "hair follicle test" actually analyzes the strand of hair, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hotevilla, AZ is due to its ability to provide a more reliable and accurate detection of drug use. Compared to urine tests, hair samples offer an extended detection window and are resistant to tampering, making them a superior choice for employers enforcing zero-tolerance policies.
Extended Detection Window in Hotevilla, AZ showcases the advantage of hair follicle testing by detecting substance use over a 90-day period. This extended timeframe offers an extensive view of an individual's drug history, helping employers to make informed decisions regarding employment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hotevilla, AZ highlights the robustness of hair follicle tests against sample adulteration. The hair test is highly resistant to tampering, presenting results that can be trusted and reducing doubts regarding the accuracy of the test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hotevilla, AZ offer easily accessible services for hair follicle testing. Our widespread network allows individuals and employers to find testing centers with ease, ensuring quick and efficient service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hotevilla, AZ ensures that ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward and private. The confidential nature of the process addresses potential concerns over privacy, offering a hassle-free experience for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hotevilla, AZ highlight our commitment to competitive pricing and swift result delivery. This combination ensures excellent value and peace of mind, benefiting companies of various sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hotevilla, AZ are a hallmark of hair follicle tests. These assessments detect substance use with precision and speed, providing highly accurate results. The quick turnaround ensures that results are obtained promptly, facilitating timely decision-making for employers and individuals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hotevilla, AZ through hair follicle testing helps maintain stringent drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and enhances the safety of the work environment, providing employers with the assurance they need.