Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substances by trapping biomarkers within the growing strands. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can deliver an alcohol and drugs detection timeframe of up to about 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to ship.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing roughly 200 strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. “Head hair” pertains solely to scalp hair, while “Body hair” covers all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
Four principal stages are involved in the lab processing for a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage where a sample enters a lab's system. This step involves verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective solution for ruling out drug use in the vast majority of samples, a positive screening outcome must be confirmed to be usable in court. Samples that test positive during Screening require further confirmation.
In cases where a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of positive screening is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleaned before confirmation when necessary. The whole laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes a review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation following ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often referenced as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outperforms Urine Testing in Somerton, AZ
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing is the superior choice. It yields an extensive detection window and boasts greater accuracy, making it a preferred method for identifying substance use. Employers and professionals gain confidence in results due to its precision and reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Somerton, AZ
Hair follicle testing offers a substantial detection period, reaching up to 90 days. This provides employers with an insightful perspective into an individual's substance history, ensuring safer hiring practices. By choosing this method, gain long-term insight into potential or current employees' drug use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Somerton, AZ
The risk of sample manipulation is vastly reduced with hair follicle tests. This method guarantees authenticity and precision, giving employers reliable results. Reducing the likelihood of falsification, these tests assure peace of mind and promote trust in test outcomes.
Nationwide and Local Testing Accessibility in Somerton, AZ
Our testing centers, spanning nationwide, offer easy access to critical services. Localized testing ensures no-fuss access to analysis, facilitating seamless and efficient testing experiences for all candidates and employees throughout the U.S.
Effortless and Confidential Testing Process in Somerton, AZ
We ensure a straightforward and discreet approach to hair follicle testing. From ordering to result acquisition, privacy is prioritized, providing peace of mind regarding personal data security and test outcomes.
Cost-Effective and Quick Turnaround in Somerton, AZ
Providing competitive pricing and expeditious results, hair follicle testing ensures value for money. Companies, regardless of size, can benefit from superior services without financial strain, allowing cost-effective adherence to safety standards.
Fast and Precise Results in Somerton, AZ
The rapid and accurate outcomes of hair follicle tests are unmatched. These tests are engineered to deliver precise substance detection, ensuring a swift and dependable way to assess substance use in individuals. Utilize their speed and reliability to maintain a drug-free workplace environment efficiently.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Somerton, AZ
Hair follicle testing helps maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks. Enhancing workplace safety by ensuring all staff adhere to company guidelines, these tests support employers in upholding a secure and productive environment.