Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers into the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 strands of hair (about as thick as a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's best to weigh the collection using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equal quantity of body hair can be gathered. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in lab processing of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This consists of checking whether the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid check for substance abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective measure to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to stand in court. Samples that show presumptive positives in Screening need an additional confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, more hair is withdrawn from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than in other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis concentrates on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Red Rock, AZ, offers clear advantages over urine testing.
Unlike urine tests, hair testing is nearly impossible to cheat. Its observed collection and resistance to short-term lifestyle changes make it a superior choice for accurate drug assessments.
In Red Rock, AZ, the extended detection window of hair follicle tests is unmatched.
Hair tests provide a broad view of substance history, surpassing the limitations of urine tests. Employers benefit by having insight into long-term behaviors, enhancing their evaluation processes.
Hair follicle tests in Red Rock, AZ, significantly reduce sample adulteration risks. Their robust nature ensures results that are reliable and difficult to contest.
This testing method offers unquestionable results, ensuring integrity in testing. By minimizing tampering opportunities, it provides results that earn the trust and confidence of stakeholders.
Convenience is key in Red Rock, AZ, where our nationwide testing facilities ensure accessibility.
With numerous local and national locations, testing becomes hassle-free. Our widespread presence affirms commitment to ease of access, reducing delays and facilitating prompt service delivery.
In Red Rock, AZ, the process for hair follicle tests is both simple and confidential.
A user-friendly approach is maintained from start to finish. Confidentiality remains a top priority, addressing any privacy concerns effectively, which encourages participation in testing programs.
Our competitive pricing structures in Red Rock, AZ, highlight affordability.
A focus on quick results and affordable pricing sets us apart. Businesses can rely on our timely services without compromising on budget, providing peace of mind and high value.
In Red Rock, AZ, hair follicle drug tests are trusted for their speed and accuracy. Precision in detecting substances is emphasized, with reliable results in a timely manner. The method's efficiency ensures that individuals and organizations receive quick, dependable insights into substance use.
Efficiency is a hallmark of hair testing. The high degree of accuracy is paramount, highlighting the reliability of results. This method is preferred by many for its quick results and the trustworthiness it offers in real-world applications.
Employers in Red Rock, AZ, using hair follicle testing, find compliance easier to maintain with drug-free policies.
The peace of mind offered by hair follicle testing is significant. It aligns with regulatory standards and safeguards businesses from potential drug-related liabilities, making it a preferred choice for many employers.
