Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair evaluation has emerged as a potent resource for detecting substance and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcoholic and narcotic intake by ensnaring biomarkers within the growing strand's fibers. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal an approximate 3-month detection span for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, moderately challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest to the head will yield 100mg of hair—ideal for examination and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a recommendation of 150mg as a sample is given. It's advisable to measure the sample's weight on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. The term head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair only. Body hair denotes all other hair categories (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The quartet of primary steps involved in laboratory drug test processing includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary preparation of a sample for entry into a lab’s system, including verifying proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), alongside finalizing any supplementary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening encompasses an expedited preliminary assessment for substance misuse. Although Screening economically eliminates drug usage in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for court admissibility. Presumptive positive samples from Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive indication at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), attesting to the complexity of performing hair drug testing.
Confirmatory analysis of any positive screening consequence is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes cleansing prior to confirmation as needed. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Perks of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis inspects the hair strand itself, not the scalp-underlying follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Valdez, CO
The advantages of hair testing over traditional urine methods are evident. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy, capturing drug use patterns more reliably. Unlike urine tests which only cover short-term detection, hair tests provide insights into longer-term drug usage, making them invaluable for ensuring workplace safety and compliance.
Extended Detection Window in Valdez, CO
Hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection period that can span up to 90 days. This capability is crucial for employers who wish to obtain a comprehensive understanding of an employee or applicant's drug history. By covering a broader timeframe, hair testing paints a more complete picture of substance use practices, enhancing evaluation processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Valdez, CO
Hair follicle tests are highly resistant to tampering, providing reliable results that are difficult to dispute. Their design curtails the possibility of sample adulteration, which can be a concern with other testing methods. This robustness ensures that outcomes are both dependable and credible, aiding organizations in maintaining strict standards.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Valdez, CO
With testing centers spread across the nation, including Valdez, accessing our services is convenient and simple. Our extensive network guarantees quick and hassle-free testing services, making it easier for individuals and companies to meet their testing needs without delay.
Simple, Confidential Process in Valdez, CO
Our testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential, ensuring privacy at every stage. From ordering to obtaining results, our procedures prioritize ease of use. Addressing privacy concerns effectively, we maintain a seamless and discreet experience for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Valdez, CO
Our competitive pricing structures make hair follicle testing an attractive option for companies of various sizes. Coupled with swift turnaround times, we provide excellent value, ensuring peace of mind for decision-makers by delivering reliable and timely results that fit within budgetary constraints.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Valdez, CO
The precision and rapid results of hair follicle drug tests make them an appealing choice in Valdez. These tests offer high accuracy levels, ensuring that substance use is identified effectively. By detecting drugs at minimal levels, they provide a reliable measure of compliance and offer peace of mind to employers and other concerned parties.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Valdez, CO
Implementing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace policies dedicated to drug-free environments. This method reduces legal risks and augments safety within the workplace. Offering a non-invasive yet thorough testing option, it serves as a crucial component in fostering a secure work culture.