Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by holding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection timeframe of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and other substances. Collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for testing and validation purposes. For EtG, additional markers, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be absent, an equivalent portion of body hair may be utilized. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The overarching process for lab handling of a drug test outcome includes four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially integrated into the lab's framework. This phase entails confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry that wasn't covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
The Screening phase involves a preliminary quick assessment for substances of abuse. While screening is economical for eliminating drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any specimens that show a preliminary positive result during Screening need a secondary validation.
When a sample displays a presumptively positive result during the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are withdrawn from hair at a significantly lower concentration in contrast to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug analysis is among the most challenging methods to execute.
Validation of any positive results from screening is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive outcome are cleansed before validation as required. The entirety of the lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common reference to "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the skin.
In Williamson, AZ, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Its superior detection accuracy captures drug use history more reliably. Compared to urine tests, which have a limited detection window, hair testing can retrospectively show substance use patterns, assisting in making informed decisions.
Employers in Williamson, AZ, benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing, spanning up to 90 days. This comprehensive insight allows for a thorough examination of an individual's substance usage history, aiding employers in making well-rounded assessments of their applicants or current employees.
Williamson, AZ's hair follicle tests stand strong against tampering attempts. The testing method significantly reduces the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring results that are both reliable and unquestionable. This integrity in testing provides greater confidence in the results obtained, setting hair tests apart.
With testing centers available nationwide and locally in Williamson, AZ, access to hair drug testing is convenient and hassle-free. The widespread availability ensures that individuals and businesses alike can easily schedule tests without the inconvenience of long travel times, streamlining the testing process.
In Williamson, AZ, the process of ordering and conducting a hair follicle test is both simple and confidential. This ensures the user's privacy is respected at every step, from test administration to receiving results. The focus on discretion and ease of use makes it an appealing option for many.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Williamson, AZ, hair follicle testing services provide excellent value. Businesses, regardless of size, can benefit from cost-effective solutions and prompt results, proving invaluable when timely drug screening is essential.
The hair follicle drug tests in Williamson, AZ, are renowned for their precision and rapid results. Their capability to detect varied substances quickly makes them invaluable for immediate substance detection needs. Their accuracy provides assurance, helping to pinpoint substance use effectively, making them a preferred choice for many organizations and institutions.
In Williamson, AZ, employers achieve both compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. By adhering to drug-free workplace policies through reliable testing, they reduce potential legal challenges and bolster workplace safety. This method underscores a commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant working environment.
