Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures chemical signatures over time by embedding these markers within the strand's structure as it grows. When cut near the base, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over a period of up to three months. Hair sampling is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A section measuring 1.5 inches, or roughly 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), taken nearest the scalp, will yield a 100mg sample, which is optimal for initial testing and validation. For EtG tests and panels exceeding 10, it's advised to use 150mg of hair. It’s best to measure the sample with a precision scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair can be gathered. Note that 'head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' encompasses all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The procedure in a lab for processing a drug test consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with the sample being processed into the lab's system; this step affirms the sample's sealed and safe delivery, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any necessary details absent from the electronic custody records.
Screening is a preliminary and efficient strategy to detect potential drug use in most samples. However, any positive findings during Screening must be further verified to be valid in legal settings. Any presumptive positives from Screening need additional confirmation.
Should Screening yield a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the sample for further testing during the Extraction phase. This step retrieves drugs present in hair at much lower doses compared to other tests (like urine or saliva), highlighting why hair-based tests are particularly challenging to enact.
Verification of positive findings from Screening is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptively positive samples undergo a cleaning process if necessary before Confirmation. The full lab sequence from Accessioning through Confirmation aligns with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The test commonly called a "hair follicle test" actually examines the strand itself, rather than the follicle embedded in the skin.
Hair follicle tests in Penzance, AZ present remarkable advantages over traditional urine tests. One of the notable benefits is their longer detection period, which provides a comprehensive look into drug use history.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle tests have superior detection accuracy. This makes them a more reliable option for various testing needs, ensuring that past drug use is accurately identified.
Hair follicle testing in Penzance, AZ offers an extended detection window. This test type can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, giving employers a broader overview into their applicants or employees' substance use histories.
Such a prolonged detection period aids in thorough assessment, ensuring that individuals maintain substance-free lifestyles over a significant duration, a crucial factor for safety and compliance.
In Penzance, AZ, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method. Unlike other tests, hair samples are nearly immune to adulteration, ensuring the integrity and validity of the results.
This testing approach guarantees unquestionable results, minimizing the likelihood of sample manipulation, providing employers with peace of mind regarding accurate and fair testing procedures.
Penzance, AZ residents benefit from convenient nationwide testing centers. Our broad network ensures that access to testing is quick and hassle-free, making it easy to undertake screening without disruptions.
These testing locations provide seamless services, saving time and reducing stress associated with locating and accessing drug testing facilities.
The process of hair follicle testing in Penzance, AZ is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting hair samples and receiving results, each step is straightforward, protecting individuals' privacy throughout the procedure.
This streamlined process ensures ease of use, removing complexities that might deter individuals from undertaking necessary drug screens, ensuring timely and private access to results.
Affordable pricing and fast turnaround times characterize our hair follicle testing services in Penzance, AZ. Our competitive pricing ensures that testing needs are met without significant financial strain on employers or individuals.
The quick return of results further enhances value, providing timely insights into drug use, complemented by cost-effective testing options suitable for companies of all sizes.
In Penzance, AZ, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed in determining drug use. These tests are known for their accuracy and reliability, ensuring that substance use is detected accurately, providing results that both employers and individuals can trust.
With fast processing times, hair follicle testing offers swift results. This enables timely decision-making, whether for employment purposes or personal insight into substance use. The efficiency of these tests is unmatched.
Employers in Penzance, AZ achieve compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing services. These tests support maintaining a drug-free workplace, thus reducing potential legal risks and enhancing overall safety among staff.
Implementing hair testing aligns with zero-tolerance policies, helping organizations successfully enforce substance restrictions and ensuring compliance with necessary regulations.
