Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as a robust means for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a long-term account of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can showcase up to nearly a 3-month detection timeline for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat hard to tamper with, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will furnish 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent portion of body hair might be gathered. When discussing head hair, we're specifically indicating scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (face, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal procedures in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial brisk assessment for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to disqualify drug usage in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation to be valid in legal scenarios. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If a sample tests positive tentatively in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and arranged for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are derived from hair at a much reduced concentration than other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening represents the most challenging method to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is facilitated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Tombstone, AZ surpasses traditional urine testing in multiple aspects. While both serve to detect drug use, hair testing offers superior detection accuracy. With a longer detection window, it provides a more reliable account of substance use. Employers benefit from its enhanced detection capabilities, ensuring a more thorough screening process compared to urine tests, which offer a shorter period of detection.
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, up to 90 days, offering a significant advantage in Tombstone, AZ. Employers gain a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance history over time, allowing for informed decision-making. This extended timeframe captures a broader scope of drug use, unlike shorter detection periods of other methods, ensuring a more thorough assessment.
The risk of adulteration is significantly reduced with hair follicle tests in Tombstone, AZ. Unlike other methods, tampering with hair samples is nearly impossible, providing reliable results. This integrity in testing ensures trust and authenticity in findings, crucial for employers and legal entities needing conclusive evidence of substance use, without the concern of sample manipulation.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenience with nationwide and local testing centers in Tombstone, AZ. This accessibility means easy and hassle-free testing services for all clients. With numerous facilities available, individuals and businesses alike can quickly access testing without unnecessary travel, making the process both efficient and convenient for all users.
In Tombstone, AZ, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively. From ordering to obtaining results, the straightforward method ensures ease of use. Clients benefit from a seamless experience, knowing their information is handled with discretion, enhancing user confidence and satisfaction in the testing services provided.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Tombstone, AZ. Our affordable rates and efficient service provide exceptional value to businesses of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind. Quick results enable companies to make timely decisions, and our pricing structure ensures access to reliable testing without financial strain, supporting organizational health and safety goals.
In Tombstone, AZ, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and accuracy. These tests offer quick turnaround times, enabling fast identification of substance use. The high degree of precision ensures that results are both reliable and comprehensive, giving confidence to employers making informed decisions. The efficient process from sample collection to result delivery makes it a preferred choice for timely insights.
Businesses in Tombstone, AZ find peace of mind through hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety by providing dependable results. Employers can be confident in maintaining a drug-free environment, benefiting from reduced liability and the security that comes with a compliant workforce.