Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as a significant means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fiber of the developing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to around a 3-month detection timeframe for substances like alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is an easy process, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the recommended quantity for screening and confimation. For testing that includes EtG, add-ons, and/or for tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It is recommended to gauge the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair may be utilized. When discussing head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The major stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This process includes ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data input not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening encompasses a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug usage in most samples; however, a positive result in screening should undergo confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that are preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate secondary verification.
In case a sample is preliminarily positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn out from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to undertake.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples preliminarily positive are laundered prior to confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation focuses on analyzing the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Round Valley, AZ
Hair follicle testing provides superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. It allows for a larger window of detection, offering a clearer picture of an individual's drug use history. This method is particularly advantageous for employers and legal professionals seeking reliable drug use verification.
Extended Detection Window in Round Valley, AZ
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period—up to 90 days. This feature provides employers in Round Valley, AZ, with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, beneficial for making informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Round Valley, AZ
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their tamper-resistant nature. They significantly minimize the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results remain reliable and beyond question. This assurance leads companies to prefer this method over other testing approaches.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Round Valley, AZ
Our widespread network of testing centers offers unmatched convenience, making the drug testing process quick and effortless. With local locations in Round Valley, AZ, clients have easy access to testing services, reducing hassle and saving time.
Simple, Confidential Process in Round Valley, AZ
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. We understand privacy concerns, thus ensuring our procedures are both easy to follow and secure, providing comfort and ease to those undergoing testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Round Valley, AZ
We offer competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times in our hair follicle testing services. These attributes present excellent value for companies, irrespective of their size, ensuring investment in reliable and timely test results remains cost-effective.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Round Valley, AZ
Hair follicle drug tests deliver swift and precise results. Their accuracy in detecting substance use is unparalleled, ensuring you gain trustworthy insights into an individual's drug habits. The quick turnaround and high precision of these tests make them the optimal choice in Round Valley, AZ, for dependable results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Round Valley, AZ
Utilizing hair follicle testing supports compliance with workplace drug policies, crucial for enhancing safety and security. It also minimizes legal risks, providing employers with peace of mind knowing that their workplace remains drug-free and compliant with regulations.
