Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become a significant means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair holds a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to around 90 days for alcohol and other substances. It is straightforward to collect, challenging to alter, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We advocate weighing the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equal volume of body hair can be acquired. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four key phases in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial sample processing into a lab's system. This involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient way to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are preliminarily positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than in other procedures (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug testing is the most complex methodology to implement.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Remark: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the examination itself assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lechee, AZ
When compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection and reliability. The longer detection window allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, ensuring a safer and more informed decision-making process.
Extended Detection Window in Lechee, AZ
Employers can benefit from the extensive detection period offered by hair follicle tests, going up to 90 days. This provides a deeper view into an individual's past substance use, helping businesses maintain a secure and drug-free workplace by making well-informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lechee, AZ
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the potential for sample tampering. Providing highly reliable results, they ensure the integrity of drug testing processes. This method gives employers confidence in the accuracy of the results obtained.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lechee, AZ
Our numerous testing centers nationwide ensure convenient access to drug testing services. This ease of access makes the testing process swift and efficient, supporting both local and national testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lechee, AZ
Our streamlined process makes ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results straightforward. We prioritize privacy and confidentiality, ensuring individuals remain at ease throughout the testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lechee, AZ
Offering competitive pricing and rapid result delivery, we provide excellent value for companies of all sizes. Our approach ensures peace of mind without compromising on quality or speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lechee, AZ
Our hair follicle drug tests offer swift and dependable outcomes. Known for their high precision, these tests detect substance use efficiently, ensuring employers receive accurate data promptly. This reliability makes them the preferred choice for those seeking consistent drug screening results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lechee, AZ
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies. By providing an accurate and reliable method, employers reduce legal risks and promote a safer working environment for everyone involved.
