Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibrous structure of the growing hair shaft. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to roughly a 3-month window of detection for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch section containing about 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for testing and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to have 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When referring to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary procedures involved in the laboratory processing of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory's framework. This entails confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial swift assessment for substances of abuse. Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug usage in most samples. However, a positive screening result necessitates validation to be accepted in a legal setting. Any samples that are presumptively positive during Screening do need a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to alternate methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is regarded as one of the most arduous methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accrediting to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Topawa, AZ
Hair testing offers superior detection compared to traditional urine testing methods, often providing a more rigorous and difficult-to-deceive process. With a longer detection window, hair tests excel in locating substance use over an extended period.
Employers and other entities benefit from hair testing because it is less invasive and offers a higher level of accuracy when screening for drug use, providing assurance in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window in Topawa, AZ
Hair follicle testing is crucial for employers in Topawa, as it extends the detection window for substance use to up to 90 days. This offers a comprehensive view of an individual's drug history.
Such a prolonged period allows employers to observe patterns of substance use, giving a broader perspective on whether an applicant or employee maintains a lifestyle aligning with workplace expectations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Topawa, AZ
Hair follicle tests dramatically minimize the risk of sample tampering, ensuring that results are both reliable and uncontestable. This method is crucial for maintaining high standards of authenticity in testing.
Topawa organizations appreciate hair testing because it provides a trustworthy framework, making it nearly impossible for individuals to alter or substitute samples.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Topawa, AZ
Accredited Drug Testing facilitates hassle-free access to testing services through its nationwide presence, including convenient local centers in Topawa.
This wide-reaching network ensures that individuals and businesses can easily access drug testing services without unnecessary travel or delay, making it highly practical and efficient.
Simple, Confidential Process in Topawa, AZ
The hair follicle testing process in Topawa is straightforward and discreet, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step is handled with confidentiality in mind. This approach ensures that individuals feel secure and comfortable throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Topawa, AZ
Our competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times in Topawa provide excellent value, catering to businesses of all sizes.
The affordability of hair testing combined with rapid results delivery ensures companies can maintain their drug testing processes without incurring excessive costs, achieving peace of mind efficiently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Topawa, AZ
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their speed and precision, offering a reliable method for detecting various substances with high accuracy. The method ensures that substance use is promptly identified, making it a preferred choice for those seeking swift and dependable results.
The accuracy of hair tests lies in their ability to detect even minimal traces of drug use, ensuring that individuals and organizations in Topawa can trust the findings without doubt.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Topawa, AZ
Employers using hair follicle testing in Topawa ensure compliance with drug-free policies, significantly reducing legal risks and promoting workplace safety.
This testing method offers peace of mind by guaranteeing that all employees meet the company's substance use standards, which upholds the integrity and safety of the workplace environment.
