Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug use by incorporating biomarkers into the fibers of growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair imply scalp hair exclusively. Other body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in processing a laboratory drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of entering a sample into a lab's system. This step includes ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any necessary data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drug abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid for legal matters. Samples that test presumptive positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and made ready for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation as needed. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review following the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the accreditation standards of ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Peridot, AZ
Hair testing offers numerous benefits over urine examinations, notably its superior accuracy and reliability. With a more extended detection period, it identifies substance use that urine tests may miss, giving employers a dependable method to gauge drug use among employees or candidates.
Extended Detection Window in Peridot, AZ
The hair follicle test's unique advantage lies in its ability to track drug use for up to 90 days. This extended detection period enables employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's drug history, surpassing the capabilities of shorter detection tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Peridot, AZ
Hair follicle testing significantly mitigates the risk of sample tampering, offering results that are both reliable and unquestionable. This method ensures sample integrity, protecting organizations from fraudulent test results that could compromise safety standards.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Peridot, AZ
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures that individuals and employers in Peridot, AZ have access to convenient and efficient drug testing services. This nationwide coverage simplifies the process, providing easy access without the hassle of extended travel.
Simple, Confidential Process in Peridot, AZ
The process for engaging in hair follicle testing is streamlined for ease and confidentiality. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are designed to respect privacy while maintaining simplicity, an essential factor for individuals and businesses concerned about data security.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Peridot, AZ
We offer competitive pricing alongside rapid result delivery, balancing cost-effectiveness with swift service. This approach allows businesses of all sizes to maintain peace of mind without sacrificing budget or efficiency, ensuring excellent value for their testing needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Peridot, AZ
Hair follicle drug tests stand out in terms of speed and precision in Peridot, AZ. Their ability to accurately detect substance use ensures reliability, making them a preferred choice for many. Employers and organizations benefit from prompt, accurate reports that facilitate informed decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Peridot, AZ
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to workplace drug-free policies, decreasing legal liabilities and enhancing workplace safety. This compliance affords employers peace of mind, knowing they're operating within a secure and regulated environment.
