Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting alcohol and drug usage. The growth of hair strands entraps biomarkers that reveal a long-term history of these substances. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and various drugs. It is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to ship.
A collection of roughly 1.5 inches of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's size) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. When we mention head hair, we mean only scalp hair. All other hair types, such as facial and axillary, fall under body hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result is comprised of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where the sample enters a lab’s system. This step verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any lacking data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody process.
Screening performs an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Although cost-effective in excluding drug use in most samples, a positive Screening must be confirmed to be court-admissible. Any samples that give a presumptive positive result during Screening require a further confirmation step.
If Screening yields a presumptive positive result, additional hair from the initial specimen is prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug testing the most challenging to carry out.
The confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples with presumptive positive results are washed prior to confirmation when necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as “hair follicle tests,†the process actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In South Tucson, AZ, hair follicle testing emerges as a superior choice over traditional urine testing. The benefits of hair testing include an extended detection window, ensuring a more comprehensive overview of substance use. Compared to urine tests, hair tests offer higher detection accuracy and reliability. This makes hair follicle tests the preferred method for those seeking thorough results.
Hair follicle testing in South Tucson, AZ, boasts an extended detection window of up to 90 days for drug use. This extended timeframe gives employers a holistic view of the substance history of their employees. Unlike shorter-detection methods, these tests offer insights into long-term patterns, aiding in responsible hiring and retention decisions.
In South Tucson, AZ, hair follicle tests are notably tamper-resistant. The nature of the testing process significantly reduces the risk of adulteration, providing results that can be trusted. This robust defense against tampering ensures that the outcomes are both reliable and unquestionable, setting a standard for accuracy in drug testing methods.
Our testing centers, available nationwide and locally in South Tucson, AZ, offer unparalleled convenience. With easy access to testing services, we ensure the process is quick, straightforward, and stress-free. Individuals and organizations benefit from the efficiency of our widely accessible locations, streamlining their testing needs.
In South Tucson, AZ, the process of hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering to testing and receiving results, the procedure addresses privacy concerns. This ease of use ensures that individuals undergo their tests with confidence, knowing their information is handled discreetly and securely.
With competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, our services in South Tucson, AZ, offer excellent value. Companies of all sizes benefit from standardized pricing structures and the rapid delivery of results. This cost-effectiveness, paired with reliability, provides businesses with peace of mind as they navigate drug testing requirements.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing in South Tucson, AZ, are unmatched. The high accuracy of these tests ensures that substance use is reliably detected without delay. By opting for this test, individuals and employers alike can be confident in their results. This rapid turnaround not only saves time but provides assurance in decision-making processes.
Implementing hair follicle testing in South Tucson, AZ, provides employers with compliance and peace of mind. This testing method supports adherence to workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks and fostering a safer work environment. By ensuring compliance, companies enhance their commitment to safety and integrity.
