Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the tissue of the developing hair strand. When collected from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of approximately 3 months for substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to contamination, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil width) near the scalp will yield 100mg, the ideal quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional requirements, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not available from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-effective method to filter out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for courtroom validity. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening do need a supplementary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than those in alternative methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is one of the most challenging methodologies to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle below the scalp.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing in Baker, ID offers significant advantages. With superior detection accuracy, hair tests reliably trace substances, extending beyond standard urine test limits. Thus, employers receive trustworthy insights into applicants' past substance use.
In Baker, ID, hair follicle testing shines with its extended detection window of up to 90 days. Employers gain a complete overview of an individual's substance history. This broad window allows for a thorough assessment, especially when evaluating potential hires.
Hair follicle testing in Baker, ID presents a highly tamper-resistant method. This approach minimizes the chance of sample adulteration, giving absolutely reliable, doubt-free results that support trust in drug testing processes.
Enjoy the convenience of numerous nationwide and local testing centers in Baker, ID. These accessible locations simplify the simplicity and speed of your testing experience, offering straightforward access without unnecessary complications.
In Baker, ID, the process of hair follicle testing remains straightforward and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are all smooth steps, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring an effortless user experience for all involved.
Affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times characterize our services in Baker, ID. Companies of all sizes benefit from competitive rates coupled with swift outcomes, gaining both value and assurance through our reliable drug testing solutions.
The expediency and precision of hair follicle drug tests offer Baker, ID residents clear, reliable results. Unlike other methods, hair tests provide high accuracy in substance detection. Rely on the swift and exact identification of risk, ensuring informed decisions.
By adopting hair follicle testing, Baker, ID employers ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing enhances security, minimizing legal risks and fostering a safe work environment, thereby contributing to overall peace of mind.
