Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as a compelling method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow, hair serves as a repository for long-term substance use history. Collected near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug use over nearly a three-month duration. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hairs (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp provides 100mg, which is the perfect sample mass for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. When scalp hair isn’t available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we refer only to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types of hair (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug test results includes the steps of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase involving integrating a sample into the laboratory system. This step ensures the sample's secure seal and proper shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any needed data entry lacking in the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is economical for discounting drug use in most samples, a positive screening must be verified for legal admissibility. Samples suspected to be positive during Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. Extraction involves isolating drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), posing challenges unique to hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is evaluated according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the procedure assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
A prominent advantage of hair testing over urine tests in Hale is its unmatched detection accuracy and reliability, making it superior for comprehensive substance use evaluation. (Token URINE)
Hair follicle testing grants an extended detection window, stretching up to 90 days, thus providing a long-term overview of substance use. Employers gain a fuller understanding of an individual’s history. (Token DETECT)
Employing a hair follicle test in Hale minimizes the risk of tampering, ensuring the integrity of results remains intact. (Token TAMPER)
Our numerous testing centers across the nation provide seamless accessibility, ensuring that testing in Hale is straightforward and efficient. (Token LOCATIONS)
The process of hair follicle testing is designed for simplicity and confidentiality, making ordering, testing, and result acquisition an effortless and private experience in Hale. (Token SIMPLE)
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our testing services in Hale offer excellent value, catering to businesses of all sizes. (Token AFFORDABLE)
Reliable and swift, hair follicle testing in Hale, CO offers exceptional precision in detecting past substance use. (Token RESULTS)
Employing hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free workplace initiatives, ensuring compliance and fostering a safer work environment in Hale. (Token PEACE)
