Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of substance use by embedding markers within the hair strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, such hair can reveal substance use for up to about three months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to alter, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch length comprising around 200 hair strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, the perfect quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or those above 10 panels, a 150mg amount of hair is advised. It is wise to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is missing, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, this pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair (e.g., facial, underarm).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a drug test in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with entering a sample into the laboratory system. Tasks include ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and sent, generating a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and performing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic custody chain.
Screening serves as an initial rapid evaluation for drug use. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, court-bound positive screenings require confirmation. Samples shown as positive during Screening necessitate further verification.
If Screening indicates a sample is positive, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. Here, substances are extracted at a far lower concentration compared to other methods like urine or saliva exams, thus making hair drug testing the most complex method to conduct.
Any positive result in the Screening stage is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Samples showing positive signs are cleaned ahead of confirmation when necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP Hair standards and accreditation with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although referred to as "hair follicle tests", the examined component is the hair strand, not the hair follicle under the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Superior, AZ: Hair drug tests offer a more extensive detection period with greater accuracy than traditional urine assessments, making them a preferred choice.
Extended Detection Window in Superior, AZ: One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect substances up to 90 days after use, offering a thorough picture of an individual's drug history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Superior, AZ: Hair follicle tests are less susceptible to tampering, providing secure and verifiable results that are difficult to manipulate.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Superior, AZ: Our extensive network of testing sites ensures easy access to secure and hassle-free testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Superior, AZ: With a straightforward, private procedure, from ordering to receiving results, we keep your information secure and the process clear.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Superior, AZ: We offer competitive rates and rapid result provision, ensuring value and peace of mind for all organizations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Superior, AZ: Hair follicle drug testing stands out for providing swift and precise results. This method thrives in detecting long-lasting traces of drug use, assuring users a high degree of accuracy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Superior, AZ: Utilizing hair testing helps companies adhere to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal issues and improving safety.
