Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When procured near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection duration of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is uncomplicated to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion encompassing around 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for the specimen weighing is suggested. If head hair is absent, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair refers to all other types such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The quartet of critical steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the first step of incorporating a sample into the laboratory’s system. This process encompasses confirming the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial brief evaluation for drugs of abuse. Screening is an economical method for eliminating drug use in the majority of cases. However, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to stand in court. Specimens presumed positive from Screening do necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a specimen is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch to prepare for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening ranks among the most challenging methodologies.
Verification of any affirmative screening result occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo a wash before final confirmation if necessary. The end-to-end lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination itself evaluates the hair strand and not the hair follicle under the scalp
In Rio Rico, AZ, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike conventional methods, hair testing reveals a broader span of drug usage, ensuring comprehensive substance verification. Employers and organizations benefit from this advanced method, ensuring a drug-free environment with greater confidence.
Rio Rico, AZ is witnessing the advantages of extended detection windows provided by hair follicle testing. Capable of detecting drug use up to 90 days prior, this test offers employers a holistic view of an applicant or employee's substance habits. Such insights are invaluable in establishing informed and accurate assessments of personnel.
In Rio Rico, AZ, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests significantly curbs adulteration risks, guaranteeing indisputable results. Such features ensure reliable outcomes where the likelihood of tampering is minimized, maintaining the integrity of the test results while fostering a trustworthy testing environment.
Testing services in Rio Rico, AZ are bolstered by convenient nationwide and local locations. Our extensive network ensures easy access to testing centers, making the process hassle-free. Consequently, individuals and organizations can smoothly navigate their testing requirements without unnecessary delays or complications.
In Rio Rico, AZ, the process of ordering, conducting, and receiving hair drug test results is simple and confidential. This approach assures individuals of their privacy, while also emphasizing ease of use. Such practices address potential concerns, offering a discreet and straightforward testing experience.
Our services in Rio Rico, AZ emphasize affordable pricing and fast turnaround, offering exceptional value for various organizations. With competitive structures, we ensure cost-effective testing solutions without sacrificing quality, providing prompt responses and reinforcing trust with our clientele.
In Rio Rico, AZ, individuals benefit from fast, accurate, and reliable results through hair follicle drug testing. This method is renowned for its high precision in identifying substance use, providing unmatched accuracy. Equipped with efficient detection capabilities, hair tests establish a robust framework for confident decision-making, significantly enhancing the reliability of assessments.
For employers in Rio Rico, AZ, hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind. This method enforces workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal threats and boosting workplace safety. By incorporating hair tests, employers establish a reliable compliance mechanism, prioritizing the well-being and security of their workforce.
