Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a highly effective means for identifying usage of alcohol and drugs. It offers a comprehensive timeline of substance intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the hair. If gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to around 90 days for drugs and alcohol. The procedure for collecting hair is straightforward, hard to adulterate, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch length of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and validation. For tests that include EtG, additional substances, or exceed 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for the evaluation. If there is no scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. By "head hair," we mean scalp hair specifically, while "body hair" pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first stage where a sample is processed into the lab’s system. This step checks whether the sample has been sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any other required data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation to detect drug abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient means to rule out drug use within most samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal acceptance. Any samples with presumptive positivity in Screening require further confirmation.
If a Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging process to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity are cleansed prior to required confirmation. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," these tests assess the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Rio Rico Northwest, AZ
Hair testing stands superior with its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability when compared to traditional urine tests. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing covers a more extended period, providing employers with a thorough history of substance use, ensuring a powerful tool against workplace drug use.
Extended Detection Window in Rio Rico Northwest, AZ
Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage with a detection window that extends up to 90 days. This allows employers in Rio Rico Northwest, AZ, to gain a broader perspective on the applicant or employee's substance usage history, granting confidence in making informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rio Rico Northwest, AZ
The hair follicle test dramatically minimizes sample tampering, yielding reliable and credible outcomes. This method ensures that the results are trustworthy, providing peace of mind for employers and institutions that demand accuracy and integrity in drug testing processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Rio Rico Northwest, AZ
With an extensive network of testing centers, Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient access to drug testing services. Individuals and employers can enjoy quick, seamless, and stress-free access to necessary testing services in Rio Rico Northwest and beyond.
Simple, Confidential Process in Rio Rico Northwest, AZ
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results from a hair follicle drug test is designed to be straightforward and confidential. This ensures privacy and user-friendliness, addressing any concerns related to ease of use and maintaining individuals' confidentiality throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rio Rico Northwest, AZ
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and quick results, delivering excellent value to businesses of all sizes. The fast turnaround time ensures that companies can make timely decisions, benefitting from both affordability and efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Rio Rico Northwest, AZ
Hair follicle drug tests are synonymous with speed and precision. They offer unparalleled accuracy in detecting substance use, providing reliable results. Businesses and organizations in Rio Rico Northwest can trust in the credibility and promptness these tests provide, ensuring comprehensive and trustable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rio Rico Northwest, AZ
Using hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, significantly cutting legal risks and fostering a safer work environment. Employers in Rio Rico Northwest benefit from the compliance and security offered by implementing this robust testing method.
