Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat hard to falsify, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for analysis and confirmation. For EtG add-ons or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. It is recommended to measure the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If no scalp hair is available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the laboratory handling of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This covers verifying the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be permissible in court. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a supplemental confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the examination itself analyzes the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
The choice for drug testing in Safford, AZ, often comes down to hair follicle versus urine testing. Hair testing is superior due to its expansive detection period and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which can miss out on recent substance use if not timed correctly, hair tests offer a broader time frame for detection.
Hair testing's ability to detect substance use over an extended period gives employers in Safford, AZ, a more accurate picture of an individual's drug use history. The reduced likelihood of tampering with hair samples also adds to their reliability, making them a preferred choice over traditional urine tests.
The extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing in Safford, AZ, is unmatched. These tests can reveal substance use extending back up to 90 days, significantly longer than other testing methods. This extended range provides employers with a fuller picture of a person's history regarding substance use.
For employers, courts, and probation officers in Safford, this means having access to a comprehensive timeline of an individual's substance use. Hair tests provide assurance that the results extend beyond immediate or recent usage, showcasing a clearer history.
Hair follicle testing in Safford, AZ, demonstrates a tamper-resistant testing method. By using hair samples, the risk of adulterating or tampering with the specimen is significantly reduced. This ensures that the results obtained from these tests are both reliable and trustworthy.
In contrast to other methods, which might be subject to manipulation, hair testing provides a layer of integrity. This method gives employers and legal entities high confidence in the authenticity of the results, minimizing the chances of falsified outcomes.
The convenience of nationwide and local testing centers in Safford, AZ, ensures accessibility to hair follicle drug testing services. With numerous centers across the country, individuals and employers can easily access these crucial services without stress.
Having testing locations readily available in Safford simplifies the process for people who need quick and efficient testing. This network of centers provides peace of mind, knowing that reliable testing is just around the corner whenever necessary.
Experiencing a simple and confidential process is vital when it comes to hair follicle testing in Safford, AZ. Clients enjoy a straightforward procedure from ordering to receiving results, ensuring that concerns over privacy and ease are promptly addressed.
The seamless process allows individuals and employers to conduct necessary tests without hassle. Discreet handling of the testing process ensures that privacy is maintained, making the testing experience stress-free and trustworthy.
Choosing hair follicle testing in Safford, AZ, means enjoying affordable pricing and fast turnaround. The competitive pricing structure makes it an excellent option for businesses of all sizes, ensuring they get quality without breaking the bank.
The efficiency of the process ensures that results are delivered swiftly, similar to the pace needed in business operations. This balance of cost-effectiveness and prompt service provides unmatched value, keeping expenditures in check while maintaining reliability.
Hair follicle drug testing in Safford, AZ, offers fast, accurate, and reliable results for substance detection. The immediacy with which a test can be performed, combined with its unwavering precision, is unparalleled. Compared to conventional methods, hair testing provides a high degree of confidence that other testing methods struggle to match.
The precision of hair follicle tests is vital in various legal and employment contexts across Safford. By swiftly and accurately identifying substance use, these tests ensure that the results are dependable. This accuracy provides peace of mind, knowing the results are a true reflection of recent substance use.
Employers in Safford, AZ, benefit from compliance and peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle testing. Ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies, these tests help mitigate legal risks, ultimately enhancing workplace safety. The longer detection period contributes to maintaining a more informed drug policy.
By choosing hair testing, companies foster an environment that prioritizes safety and drug-free culture. This contributes to a reduction in workplace accidents and liabilities, thus providing a secure setting for all employees.
