Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a biochemical history of drug and alcohol use by locking biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers up to an estimated three-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample length of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When referencing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process includes ensuring the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data not provided by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug usage on the bulk of samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for admissibility in court. Any samples showing presumptive positives during Screening do require a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are obtained from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to why hair drug testing is one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Waiehu, HI
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests due to its extended detection capabilities and high reliability. It offers a more all-encompassing view of substance use by uncovering patterns that may be missed by the more limited urine test, especially given the much longer monitoring period.
Extended Detection Window in Waiehu, HI
The ability of hair follicle tests to identify drug use for up to 90 days offers a superior snapshot of an individual's substance history. This extended window provides employers a thorough understanding of employee or candidate habits over the long term, unlike other testing methods which might offer only a short-term view.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Waiehu, HI
Because of its nature, hair follicle testing significantly mitigates the risk of sample tampering, ensuring that results are both credible and indisputable. This method provides an assurance that test outcomes are void of any manipulation, thus standing as a reliable testing backbone.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Waiehu, HI
With our network of national testing centers, quick and straightforward access to testing services is assured. This widespread availability ensures that no matter where you are, hassle-free and efficient testing solutions are within reach.
Simple, Confidential Process in Waiehu, HI
Our testing procedures are designed to be straightforward and private. From ordering to sample collection and result delivery, we prioritize confidentiality and user-friendliness, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring straightforward usability for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Waiehu, HI
We offer competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. This affordability, coupled with quick and reliable results, delivers great value, offering companies economic relief alongside the comfort of knowing they receive quality testing services without long waits.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Waiehu, HI
Hair follicle drug tests are exceptionally precise and deliver quick results. Their high accuracy ensures substance use detection is unparalleled, thus offering a dependable method for various testing needs. The swift turnaround provides peace of mind, knowing results are both timely and trustworthy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Waiehu, HI
Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns company practices with workplace drug-free policies, aiding legal compliance. It not only reduces potential risks but also strengthens security within the work environment, fostering a safe and regulated atmosphere.
