Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term account of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the hair as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, not easily adulterated, and simple to ship.
A strand sample measuring 1.5 inches, or approximately 200 hairs (similar to the size of a #2 pencil), taken nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a recommendation of 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair only. Body hair pertains to all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial phase of integrating a sample into a lab's system. This involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data entry that isn’t part of an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes an initial rapid evaluation for substance abuse. Even though Screening is an economical approach to eliminating drug usage for most samples, any positive result from screening must be validated to be considered viable in legal settings. Any samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is taken from the primary sample for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.x., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most intricate methodologies to conduct.
Verification of any positive screening result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation gets reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in San Miguel, AZ
Hair follicle testing emerges superior when compared to traditional urine tests, particularly due to its higher detection accuracy and reliability. In San Miguel, AZ, the choice for employers and other authorities often leans towards hair-based assessments for their expansive drug detection windows and robust integrity, surpassing the conventional urine analysis methods.
Extended Detection Window in San Miguel, AZ
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a noteworthy benefit. Its ability to identify drug use over periods as long as 90 days offers employers a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance history. Thus, it provides a long-term perspective on a candidate or employee’s substance use, surpassing the short-term focus of other testing methods in San Miguel, AZ.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in San Miguel, AZ
The hair follicle test significantly curtails potential for sample tampering, ensuring results are both trustworthy and unquestionable. This robust method provides a high level of integrity in its findings, reducing the chances of adulteration and allowing San Miguel’s workplaces to rely on the soundness of the results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in San Miguel, AZ
Accredited Drug Testing facilitates easy access to services with widespread testing centers nationwide, including local premises in San Miguel, AZ. This convenience ensures swift, uncomplicated access to necessary testing services, contributing to a seamless experience for all participants involved in the drug-testing process.
Simple, Confidential Process in San Miguel, AZ
Hair follicle testing processes in San Miguel, AZ, are characterized by simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering the test to receiving the results, the procedure ensures privacy and ease of use. This approach effectively alleviates concerns related to personal data security and the complexity commonly associated with testing procedures.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in San Miguel, AZ
With competitive pricing and quick result delivery, hair follicle testing in San Miguel, AZ, provides remarkable value. This combination ensures that companies of varying sizes can efficiently manage their drug testing needs while enjoying the peace of mind that comes from rapid and cost-effective services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in San Miguel, AZ
Hair follicle drug tests offer rapid, precise, and dependable results, ensuring a high degree of accuracy in tracking substance use. In San Miguel, AZ, employers and other stakeholders appreciate the swift and reliable detection capabilities of these tests, providing clear insights into substance usage patterns with assurance and speed.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in San Miguel, AZ
Employers in San Miguel, AZ, gain notable compliance benefits through the adoption of hair follicle testing. This approach aids in upholding drug-free workplace policies, significantly diminishing legal risks and fostering a safer work environment. Employers can rest assured that their drug testing protocols are both effective and peace-promoting.
