Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers. When obtained near the scalp, hair offers roughly a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, addon tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's recommended to measure the specimen's weight with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent weight of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of entering a sample into a lab’s system, ensuring that it was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not provided through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is the preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While it serves as an economical method to exclude drug usage for the majority of cases, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid for legal purposes. Samples showing presumptively positive results in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the original sample for preparation in the Extraction stage. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positive outcomes undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation falls under the oversight of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite frequently being called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Understanding why hair follicle testing outshines urine testing in Kailua, HI, involves highlighting its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair testing covers a longer detection window, offering a more comprehensive analysis of substance use. This makes it the preferred choice for employers and legal entities looking to uphold stringent drug-free policies.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Kailua, HI is a standout feature. By identifying drug use for up to 90 days, this method provides employers with a thorough overview of an applicant or employee's history with substances. This critical insight supports informed decision-making in maintaining a safe and productive workplace.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Kailua, HI ensures an impeccably reliable testing process. Unlike urine samples that can be easily manipulated, hair testing significantly minimizes the risk of adulteration, delivering results that are robust and legally defensible, enhancing confidence in the testing process.
With our extensive network of testing centers, including local establishments in Kailua, HI, nationwide access to hair follicle testing is fast and simple. These convenient locations provide clients with rapid, easy, and stress-free access to essential testing services, ensuring timely results that keep your organizational processes smooth.
The process for hair follicle testing in Kailua, HI is straightforward and confidential, protecting clients' privacy while ensuring ease of usage. From test ordering to sample collection and receiving results, every step prioritizes simplicity and discretion, addressing any concerns about confidentiality and accessibility.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Kailua, HI provides exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. This approach not only ensures cost-effective testing but also quick results, granting companies peace of mind without compromising on quality or reliability.
In Kailua, HI, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are renowned for their precise detection capabilities and speed, ensuring substance use is identified efficiently and effectively. Choosing hair testing guarantees high accuracy in evaluating recent substance use, making it an indispensable tool for employers who value precision and dependability.
For employers in Kailua, HI, hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind. By utilizing this method, companies adhere to drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and promoting a secure work environment. Ensuring compliance not only safeguards the workforce but also enhances the reputation of the business.
