Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a lasting record of substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the growing hair fiber. When collected from near the scalp, it allows up to a 3-month detection span for substances. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch length, approximately 200 hairs (akin to a #2 pencil width) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, the optimal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, extended tests, or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, equivalent body hair can be obtained. ‘Head hair’ refers specifically to scalp strands, while 'body hair' includes all other varieties (like facial or underarm hair).
Process Overview
The four key phases in processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This phase ensures the sample is sealed and sent correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes extra data entry beyond an electronic custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for substance abuse. While it is an economical approach for most samples, any positive result in Screening necessitates confirmation for court validity. Samples indicating potential positives during Screening need secondary verification.
For samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are pulled from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to conduct.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating potential positives are cleansed before confirmation as required. The end-to-end laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the assessment focuses on hair strands, not the scalp-located hair follicles.
Why Hair Testing Triumphs Over Urine Evaluations in Kawaihae, HI
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine assessments, the former stands out for superior detection accuracy and reliability. It offers expansive drug detection timelines and greater consistency, making it a preferred choice for many employers and judicial authorities with zero-tolerance policies.
Prolonged Detection Period in Kawaihae, HI
Hair follicle evaluations have the benefit of detecting drug use for up to 90 days. This extended detection window allows employers a more thorough understanding of a potential or current employee's substance history, helping in making well-informed decisions about hiring or retaining staff.
Secure, Tamper-Proof Testing in Kawaihae, HI
The nature of hair follicle tests significantly minimizes the possibility of sample tampering. This method provides highly reliable and uncontestable results, ensuring the testing process remains fair and consistent, free from manipulation attempts common in other testing methods.
Accessible Nationwide Testing Centers in Kawaihae, HI
Convenience is at the forefront with our broadly available testing locations. Our nationwide network facilitates speedy access to services, providing businesses and individuals with hassle-free testing experiences and ensuring that testing requirements are met efficiently.
Straightforward and Confidential Process in Kawaihae, HI
Our testing procedures prioritize simplicity and confidentiality. From placing orders to taking the test and receiving results, every step is designed to safeguard privacy, offering peace of mind to those concerned about maintaining discretion throughout the process.
Cost-Effective Options with Fast Results in Kawaihae, HI
Our pricing schemes are competitively structured, ensuring great value alongside swift result turnaround times. Businesses of varied scales can benefit from an excellent cost-efficiency ratio, securing peace of mind with an effective balance of affordability and quality service.
Quick and Dependable Outcomes in Kawaihae, HI
Hair follicle drug evaluations offer unmatched speed and reliability in delivering results. Their high precision in identifying substances translates to trustworthy outcomes employers can rely on. The swift result delivery complements the rigorous testing process, providing a comprehensive insight into an individual's history of substance use.
Assurance and Compliance for Employers in Kawaihae, HI
Implementing hair follicle testing in workplace environments ensures adherence to drug-free workplace standards, reducing legal liabilities while enhancing safety. Employers can navigate policies confidently, backed by comprehensive and reliable employee substance assessments.