Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample containing about 200 hair strands (roughly the same as a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100 mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests beyond 10 panels, it is advisable to have 150 mg of the sample. We suggest weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of processing a sample within a laboratory's system. This stage includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails a preliminary check for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. All presumptively positive samples in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If Screening finds a sample presumptively positive, additional hair from the initial sample is readied for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Any positive screening result undergoes Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In San Carlos, AZ, hair follicle testing triumphs over urine tests due to superior detection. Hair tests are unparalleled in their precision over extended periods, offering a more comprehensive substance use profile. Employers benefit from this reliability when implementing strict drug policies.
Hair testing provides greater accuracy by reaching deeper into an individual's history compared to urine tests. This ensures a more dependable reading of substance use, capturing a broad spectrum of drug presence that urine tests might miss.
Hair follicle testing in San Carlos, AZ, stands out with its extended detection period, tracking drug use for up to 90 days. This long window allows employers to see beyond the surface level of recent drug usage, offering insight into consistent patterns of substance abuse.
The prolonged detection timeframe of hair tests is a key advantage, providing a fuller depiction of an individual's drug history. Employers can make better-informed decisions based on comprehensive evidence of past substance use.
The intrinsic resistance to tampering makes hair follicle testing in San Carlos, AZ, a dependable choice. By using a method that significantly reduces the potential for sample adulteration, results remain trustworthy and unquestionable.
Hair tests are almost immune to the common manipulations faced by other testing methods, ensuring that results genuinely reflect the individual's substance use history. This reliability is crucial for maintaining integrity in drug testing processes.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations nationwide, including San Carlos, AZ. This accessibility guarantees quick and hassle-free access to reliable testing services, helping both individuals and employers efficiently facilitate testing needs.
The presence of testing centers across various locations simplifies the logistics of drug testing. Clients benefit from the ease and convenience, knowing they can rely on local and nationwide support for their testing requirements.
Ordering and undergoing hair follicle testing in San Carlos, AZ, is both simple and confidential. The process is designed to prioritize privacy while ensuring straightforward steps from testing to receiving results.
This streamlined approach addresses privacy concerns effectively, providing a secure experience for those undergoing tests. The simplicity and discretion associated with hair follicle testing promote ease of use for everyone involved.
San Carlos, AZ, benefits from affordable pricing and quick turnaround for hair follicle testing, offering unparalleled value. Companies receive competitive pricing without sacrificing quality or speed, ensuring satisfaction and peace of mind.
The cost-effective nature of hair testing, paired with rapid results, makes it an attractive choice. Businesses of all sizes can appreciate the fiscal benefits and efficiency, making hair follicle testing a smart investment.
Hair follicle drug testing in San Carlos, AZ, offers rapid and reliable outcomes, known for its high precision in detecting drug use. This testing method provides quick insights, saving time for both employers and individuals. The efficiency of hair tests ensures that results are both accurate and timely.
With advanced technology, hair follicle tests deliver results faster than traditional methods. This speed does not compromise accuracy; instead, it enhances the overall reliability, making hair testing the preferred choice for accurate substance detection.
Employers in San Carlos, AZ, find compliance with workplace drug policies more attainable with hair follicle tests. By ensuring adherence to drug-free policies, organizations mitigate legal risks and enhance workplace safety.
Using hair follicle testing ensures peace of mind for employers. This method not only helps maintain a compliant workforce but also improves overall workplace culture by upholding high standards of safety and accountability.
