Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a long-term record of substance use by holding biomarkers within the strands’ fibers. When taken near the scalp, it can offer around a three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A specimen length of 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both initial and confirmation testing. For EtG testing or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of specimen is advised. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test samples involves four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary procedure where a sample is integrated into the laboratory’s system. This process ensures the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although cost-efficient for filtering out drug use in most samples, a positive result in Screening must be confirmed to be valid in legal situations. Therefore, any samples that indicate a positive result in Screening require further confirmation.
In instances of a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. In this stage, substances are drawn out from the hair at a significantly lower concentration level than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which highlights the complexity of hair drug screening as a methodology.
Positive findings in the Screening stage subsequently undergo Confirmation through methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive undergo a washing step before Confirmation as necessary. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to the ISO / IEC 17025 guidelines.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While sometimes called "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Reservation, AZ
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing shines in both detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests detect recent substance use, hair tests cover up to 90 days, offering a broader view of one's drug habits.
In Reservation, AZ, hair follicle tests offer a superior detection window, revealing drug use history for up to 90 days. This extended reach allows employers to get thorough insights into someone's substance use past, ensuring informed hiring decisions and maintaining workplace integrity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
The robust nature of hair follicle tests in Reservation, AZ, significantly reduces the likelihood of sample tampering. This method offers reliable and unquestionable results, assuring both employers and individuals of the test's integrity and security against adulteration.
Benefit from the convenience of nationwide testing locations, including in Reservation, AZ. Our extensive network ensures access to hassle-free drug testing services, allowing individuals and employers to seamlessly meet their testing commitments anytime.
Simple, Confidential Process
The hair follicle testing process in Reservation, AZ is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the process respects privacy, offering ease of use for both individuals and companies while maintaining high standards of confidentiality.
With competitive prices and swift turnaround, hair follicle testing in Reservation, AZ offers exceptional value. Companies of all sizes can take advantage of affordable options without compromising on the speed or quality of results, ensuring accuracy and reliability in every test.
Delivering both speed and precision, hair follicle drug tests in Reservation, AZ, stand out by efficiently identifying substance use with high accuracy. This method provides fast and reliable results, making it preferable for those seeking quick confirmations on drug history without worrying about inaccuracies.
Employers in Reservation, AZ, benefit from peace of mind and compliance with drug-free policies by choosing hair follicle testing. This method not only mitigates legal risks but also enhances workplace safety, ensuring a healthy and responsible work environment.
