Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window for substances that spans up to roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, additional checks, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler's scale is recommended for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent volume of body hair can be acquired. When discussing head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in processing a drug test result in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data entry not already included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, positive results require confirmation for legal acceptability. All samples that appear positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample appear positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a concentration significantly lower than other procedures (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most intricate methodology to conduct.
Any positive findings from screening undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples tentatively marked positive are washed as required prior to confirmation. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the complete laboratory process is evaluated by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Page, AZ Hair testing stands superior in many ways to traditional methods like urine tests, given its longer detection timeframe.
The credibility and precision associated with hair follicle testing make it indispensable for employers seeking rigorous drug-use screenings.
Extended Detection Window in Page, AZ The ability of hair follicle testing to detect substances over a 90-day period provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's drug history.
This extended window is essential for employers aiming to understand long-term substance use patterns in employees or applicants.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Page, AZ With hair follicle testing, the risk of sample tampering is greatly minimized, guaranteeing reliable outcomes.
The method's resistance to adulteration makes it a preferred choice for precise and unquestionable result acquisition.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Page, AZ Our wide network of testing facilities nationwide offers effortless access to testing services.
This accessibility is crucial for quick and hassle-free testing experiences for our clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Page, AZ Our process ensures ease and privacy from ordering to result reception, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
The straightforward nature of the service caters to the need for confidential and user-friendly testing options.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Page, AZ With competitive rates and swift result delivery, we offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
The economical nature coupled with rapid service stands as a strong advantage for choosing our services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Page, AZ Hair follicle drug tests provide unparalleled precision and expediency in detecting substance use. Due to their exquisite accuracy, they offer an invaluable tool for identifying drug use.
The rapid and reliable nature of these tests showcases their effectiveness, offering peace of mind for organizations and individuals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Page, AZ Deploying hair follicle tests aligns with maintaining adherence to drug-free policies, reducing potential legal issues.
Such testing helps ensure a safer work environment, contributing greatly to the company's operational stability.
