Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug use by holding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can detect drug and alcohol use for up to approximately three months. This method offers easy collection, minimal risk of tampering, and is convenient for shipping.
A sample size of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels beyond 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. The term body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory procedure comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is processed into the laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performs additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drug abuse. Though cost-effective for most samples, a positive result from a Screening requires confirmation before it is court-admissible. Samples with presumptive positive results from Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive at the Screening stage, additional hair from the original specimen is used for Extraction. During this step, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging to conduct.
The Confirmation of positive screening results is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptively positive samples are cleaned before confirmation when needed. The full laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", these tests actually analyze the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing provides significant advantages over traditional urine tests in Waimanalo Beach, HI. Superior detection is a standout feature, offering a much longer detection window and more comprehensive substance use analysis than urine testing.
These tests demonstrate higher accuracy and reliability, eliminating many common issues associated with other methods. In turn, they enhance decision-making processes for employers and authorities.
One notable advantage of hair follicle testing in Waimanalo Beach, HI, is the extended detection window. It reliably identifies drug use up to 90 days, offering a deeper insight into an individual's substance history.
Employers can leverage this extensive window to assess an applicant's long-term drug use patterns. This comprehensive view aids in making informed hiring and retention decisions that align with company policies.
In Waimanalo Beach, HI, hair follicle tests are recognized for their tamper-resistant nature. The method drastically minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring credible results every time.
The collection process is designed to prevent manipulation, making it a trusted solution among organizations needing indisputable drug testing results. This reliability bolsters confidence in the outcomes.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient testing locations in Waimanalo Beach, HI, and across the nation. Our extensive network ensures easy access to drug testing services, eliminating logistical challenges.
Local and nationwide centers facilitate a seamless, hassle-free testing experience, bringing efficiency and comfort to individuals and employers alike.
The drug testing process in Waimanalo Beach, HI is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is streamlined, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Clients appreciate the discreet handling of sensitive information and the ease of understanding test procedures. This combination assures a secure and user-friendly experience from start to finish.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround in Waimanalo Beach, HI, Accredited Drug Testing provides great value for companies of all sizes. Our competitive pricing structure ensures cost-effectiveness for clients.
The swift availability of results supports timely decision-making, adding further value through a combination of efficiency and economic practicality.
In Waimanalo Beach, HI, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them a reliable choice. Hair testing offers high accuracy in detecting substance use, significantly reducing the likelihood of false negatives or positives.
Speed is a key factor. Test results are available rapidly, ensuring timely decision-making. The meticulous process ensures that results are both fast and accurate, making them indispensable in critical scenarios.
Hair follicle testing in Waimanalo Beach, HI offers compliance and peace of mind to employers. It ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal liabilities and promoting a safer work environment.
Companies that integrate hair testing into their procedures underscore their commitment to employee safety, fostering a more secure and productive workplace atmosphere.
