Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust tool for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can encapsulate a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the strands. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential stages in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample's seal and proper shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not available from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, cost-effective way to detect drugs of abuse. Although Screening efficiently rules out drug use in most cases, a positive result must be confirmed to be valid in legal contexts. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
For samples that are presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are separated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate procedure to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Ko Olina, HI surpasses urine tests due to its accuracy. By offering a longer detection period and a robust testing process, hair testing is less prone to errors and manipulations compared to urine tests. This method delivers consistent and reliable outcomes crucial for enforcing drug-free environments.
Covering up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Ko Olina, HI extends the detection period for drug use, providing employers a thorough view of an employee’s substance history. The extended window allows a comprehensive insight into an individual's past for informed decision-making.
In Ko Olina, HI, hair follicle tests drastically minimize the risk of tampering. This testing method assures sample integrity, delivering reliable results that are resistant to manipulation, ensuring trustworthy outcomes for all stakeholders involved.
Our nationwide network, including locations in Ko Olina, HI, offers convenient drug testing access. This wide availability ensures quick, straightforward, and stress-free testing experiences for all clients.
The hair follicle testing process in Ko Olina, HI is both simple and confidential. From ordering to results reception, every step is designed to protect privacy and ensure ease, addressing any concerns regarding the testing process.
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Ko Olina, HI, hair follicle testing services offer exceptional value. Our cost-effective solutions are tailored to provide peace of mind for organizations of any size.
In Ko Olina, HI, the efficiency and reliability of hair follicle drug testing offer precise results. These tests are designed to identify substance use with high accuracy, making them an invaluable tool for those requiring fast and definitive answers.
Employers in Ko Olina, HI benefit from hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only reduces legal risks but also enhances workplace safety, providing assurance and peace of mind.