What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug indicators within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, it can offer an approximately three-month detection window for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, delivers 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional markers, or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Measuring the specimen with a jewelerâ€™s scale is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an equal quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Procedure Breakdown

There are four essential steps in processing a drug test result in a lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial stage of processing a sample into a laboratoryâ€™s system. This process ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody does not cover.

Screening serves as an initial, rapid check for abused drugs. Though Screening is an economical means to rule out drug use on most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples testing presumptively positive in Screening need secondary confirmation.

Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening exceptionally challenging to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity are washed prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection timeframe.
Hard to trick: It is extremely challenging to dodge a hair drug test, thus ensuring more reliable results.
Reveals usage trends: It can show a pattern of drug use over time rather than just recent usage.

Challenges:

Inability to detect recent consumption: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier compared to other drug testing methods.
Diverse outcomes: Elements such as hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence the drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fern Forest, HI

Hair tests provide an edge over traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. These tests are less prone to manipulation and deliver comprehensive results, which is particularly beneficial for employers enforcing strict drug use policies in Fern Forest.

Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests have a longer detection window, identifying substance use that urine tests may miss. This extends the reliability of results for organizations.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Fern Forest, HI

Hair follicle testing is praised for its ability to trace drug use over a more extended period, up to 90 days, providing employers with a broader perspective of an individual's substance history. This contrasts with urine tests, which only cover recent use.

The extended window of hair testing ensures that employers in Fern Forest can make informed decisions regarding potential hires or current employees regarding their past substance use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fern Forest, HI

Hair follicle tests are inherently designed to minimize the risk of sample tampering or adulteration. This feature ensures the integrity of the testing process, offering reliable results that stakeholders in Fern Forest can trust.

The tamper-resistant nature of hair testing means that attempts at altering the sample are challenging, reinforcing confidence in the outcomes and making it a preferred choice for various applications.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fern Forest, HI

Our network of testing centers throughout the nation, including locations in Fern Forest, HI, ensures that scheduling and conducting tests are quick and convenient, offering hassle-free solutions.

Employers and individuals can access testing services with ease, thanks to the strategic placement of our facilities, enabling effective and straightforward drug testing procedures nationwide.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Fern Forest, HI

The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward, assuring confidentiality at every step in Fern Forest, HI.

The emphasis on privacy and ease enhances user experience, making it an appealing option for those concerned with discretion and simplicity when undergoing drug testing.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fern Forest, HI

Our competitive pricing structures, combined with quick turnaround times, offer unmatched value for businesses of various sizes in Fern Forest, HI. Clients benefit from economical solutions that do not sacrifice quality or speed.

Fast processing times ensure that employers can make swift, informed decisions, providing peace of mind without breaking the budget.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fern Forest, HI

Hair follicle drug tests offer swift and precise detection of substance use, making them an exceptional choice for efficient testing in Fern Forest, HI. The high accuracy of these tests provides confidence in the results, ensuring a reliable assessment of an individual's substance use.

The rapid processing of hair follicle tests enables prompt results, vital for decision-making processes. Employers can quickly obtain the necessary information to maintain a drug-free workplace.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fern Forest, HI

Utilizing hair follicle testing assists employers in maintaining compliance with workplace drug-free policies, significantly reducing legal exposure and enhancing overall workplace safety in Fern Forest, HI.

Employers gain peace of mind knowing that hair testing is a robust method for ensuring that their workplace meets legal and safety standards, thus promoting a stable and secure work environment.