Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of growing hair strands capture biomarkers, providing a chronic history of substance use. When hair is collected near the scalp, it offers a detection time frame of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. The process of collecting hair is uncomplicated, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests of more than 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the process that incorporates a sample into a laboratory system. This ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any supplementary data not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial inspection for illicit drugs. Though a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be legally valid. Any sample testing presumptively positive in Screening mandates secondary validation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are withdrawn from hair at notably lower levels than within other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to undertake.
Positive screen results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is done on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair vs. Urine Testing: Hair follicle analysis surpasses urine testing by offering a longer detection window and more reliable results. In Palo Verde, this method's accuracy and reliability prove essential for employers and agencies prioritizing drug-free environments.
Superior Detection: While traditional urine tests offer short-term detection, hair tests provide a prolonged and thorough history of substance use. This advantage makes hair testing an effective means for comprehensive drug screening.
Longer Detection Period: Hair testing reveals drug use for up to 90 days, offering employers in Palo Verde a detailed insight into an individual's substance history. This extended timeframe ensures thorough evaluation beyond the scope of standard tests.
Comprehensive Substance History: With its wide detection window, hair testing grants employers a fuller picture of an applicant’s drug use over three months, aiding in better employment decisions.
Reduced Sample Tampering: Hair follicle tests significantly decrease the chances of sample adulteration in Palo Verde. This testing method ensures the authenticity of results, as altering hair samples is highly challenging.
Reliable Results: By drastically lowering the risk of tampering, hair testing provides Palo Verde employers with peace of mind, knowing the results are accurate and trustworthy.
Nationwide Access: With numerous testing centers across the country, accessible from Palo Verde, we ensure simple and hassle-free drug testing processes for all participants.
Local Availability: Palo Verde residents benefit from local testing sites, providing convenient access and quick service to meet all testing needs efficiently.
Confidential Testing Process: Our straightforward and confidential testing process in Palo Verde caters to privacy concerns, making the experience smooth and stress-free for participants.
Easy Steps: From ordering to receiving results, our process ensures simplicity and confidentiality, addressing any privacy concerns while maintaining ease of use for all users.
Competitive Pricing: We offer attractive pricing structures for hair follicle drug testing in Palo Verde, ensuring businesses of all sizes receive excellent service and value for their investment.
Fast Results: Quick turnaround times are a hallmark of our services, granting Palo Verde employers timely and reliable results without compromising on affordability.
Precision and Speed: Hair follicle drug tests offer rapid results with a high degree of accuracy, crucial for making timely decisions. This method ensures reliable detection of substances, maintaining integrity and speed in the testing process.
Accurate Detection: The precision of hair testing lies in its ability to identify past substance use efficiently. A high success rate in identifying drug use makes it a preferred choice for accurate results in Palo Verde.
Compliance Assurance: Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers in Palo Verde adhere to workplace drug guidelines, reducing legal liabilities and promoting a safer work environment.
Enhancing Workplace Safety: This testing method supports drug-free workplace initiatives, fostering a culture of safety and security. Employers gain assurance from consistent and reliable results.
