Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is gaining recognition as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When sampled near the scalp, hair provides an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing around 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair imply only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab analysis of a drug test result comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab’s system. This step ensures the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any extra data entry absent in the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While it serves as a cost-effective method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any presumptive positive samples from Screening need a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other techniques (for example, urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis the most intricate method to execute.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process 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: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests," these tests actually examine the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Sun Valley, AZ, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests detect usage over a prolonged period, unlike the limited timeframe of urine testing.
Employers in Sun Valley, AZ benefit from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window. Unlike other methods, hair tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days.
In Sun Valley, AZ, hair follicle tests are renowned for their tamper-resistant nature. These tests significantly lower the temptation and likelihood of sample tampering.
Accessing hair follicle testing is convenient in Sun Valley, AZ due to numerous locations. Nationwide centers provide easy and rapid access to testing services.
The testing process in Sun Valley, AZ is simple and confidential. Order, partake, and receive results effortlessly with privacy assured.
In Sun Valley, AZ, hair testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround. Competitive rates and quick results guarantee excellent value.
In Sun Valley, AZ, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for precision and speed. Accuracy in detecting substances is exceptionally high with this method, ensuring reliable results.
Sun Valley, AZ employers gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal issues.
