Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting alcohol and drug use. Hair captures long-term substance use history by encasing biomarkers within the fiber of the hair as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair provides an approximate 3-month detection timeframe for drugs and alcohol. It is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp will yield approximately 100mg of hair, considered the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, enhancements, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for specimen weighing is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair may be collected. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processes a drug test result through four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial stage of processing a sample within a laboratory’s system. This process confirms that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performs any supplementary data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial check for common drugs of abuse. Though Screening offers an economical way to dismiss drug use in most cases, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples yielding presumptively positive results in Screening mandate a follow-up confirmation test.
Should the Screening stage yield a presumptive positive, extra hair is extracted from the initial sample for further Examination. In this phase, drug elements are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which is why conducting hair drug screening is significantly challenging.
Verification of any positive result from screening is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are washed before verification as necessary. The entire lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often dubbed as "hair follicle tests", it is the hair strand that is analyzed, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Walapai, AZ
In Walapai, AZ, hair follicle testing stands superior to traditional urine analysis. The extensive detection period of up to 90 days significantly outperforms the limited window of urine tests. This extended scope enhances the accuracy, providing a thorough substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Walapai, AZ
Hair follicle testing in Walapai, AZ offers an extended detection window, capturing substance use for up to 90 days. This assists employers in gaining a comprehensive understanding of an applicant's or employee's past drug habits, ensuring informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Walapai, AZ
Walapai, AZ benefits from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing. This method greatly diminishes the possibility of sample adulteration, providing results that are both reliable and irreproachable, ensuring the integrity of the drug test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Walapai, AZ
With testing centers nationwide and locally in Walapai, AZ, accessing drug testing services is hassle-free and efficient. This widespread availability ensures swift and uncomplicated testing logistics for everyone involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Walapai, AZ
The hair follicle testing process in Walapai, AZ is designed to be straightforward and private. Each step, from ordering to receiving results, is conducted with confidentiality in mind, ensuring users' privacy and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Walapai, AZ
Walapai, AZ offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround on hair follicle tests, providing great value for businesses of any size. This affordability ensures that companies can maintain high standards without incurring excessive costs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Walapai, AZ
In Walapai, AZ, hair follicle testing offers unmatched precision in drug detection. This method ensures reliable results with a quick turnaround, aiding employers in making informed decisions rapidly. Its high sensitivity in identifying substance usage provides an edge over other testing approaches.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Walapai, AZ
Hair follicle testing in Walapai, AZ ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, reducing potential legal liabilities. It fosters a safer work environment, offering employers peace of mind by maintaining high standards of employee conduct.