Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are now seen as an adept method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair maintains an extended record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer up to an approximately 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 strands of hair (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimal specimen for evaluation and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent volume of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair indicates all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process within the laboratory for assessing a drug test outcome comprises four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the primary processing of a specimen into the laboratory’s system. This process includes validating that the specimen was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for illicit drugs. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage for the majority of samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be considered valid in legal proceedings. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are separated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than via other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug assessments the most intricate method to perform.
Verification of any positive screening result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that tested tentatively positive are cleaned before verification if needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand rather than the hair follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bangor, CA
Hair testing offers superior benefits over traditional urine tests, boasting enhanced accuracy in detecting drug use. Unlike short-window urine tests, hair tests cover an extensive detection period, providing reliable data on an individual's substance use history. This accuracy makes hair testing the preferred option in Bangor for many employers and professionals.
Extended Detection Window in Bangor, CA
Hair follicle testing presents a significant advantage—its ability to uncover drug use over a prolonged period, up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers to gain thorough insights into an applicant's or employee's drug use patterns, assisting in making informed decisions and fostering a drug-free work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bangor, CA
With hair follicle tests, the possibility of tampering is greatly minimized. The method ensures that samples remain unaltered, maintaining the test's credibility. Reliable and undeniable results are achieved, ensuring confidence in the testing process and safeguarding against deceptive practices.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bangor, CA
With a network of nationwide testing centers, including local sites in Bangor, accessing hair follicle tests is straightforward and quick. No matter where you are, our facilities offer convenient and hassle-free testing services, ensuring efficiency and minimizing wait times.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bangor, CA
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is designed to be simple and confidential. Our approach addresses privacy concerns, offering ease of use from start to finish. Clients can rely on a smoothly operated procedure that keeps their information private and secures their peace of mind.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bangor, CA
Competitive pricing and rapid results highlight the value of our hair follicle testing services. We ensure cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizes in Bangor, allowing them to benefit from fast turnaround times without compromising quality, ultimately supporting their budgetary needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bangor, CA
Hair follicle drug tests in Bangor are known for their precision and speed. They offer a high level of accuracy in detecting drugs, ensuring dependable results. This method not only provides fast outcomes but also guarantees that the findings are trustworthy, making them an excellent choice for anyone needing quick and reliable testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bangor, CA
Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug policies, providing employers with reassurance. By reducing legal risks and promoting a safe workspace, it guarantees compliance with regulations. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are maintaining a secure and policy-compliant environment.
