Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent mechanism for identifying both drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a repository for the long-term history of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as hair grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over a period stretching up to three months. The collection process of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and facilitates easy transportation.
A portion of hair measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of about 200 strands (approximately equating to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimum sample size for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is absent, collect an equally sized amount of body hair as an alternative. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning corresponds to the initial step where a sample is entered into the laboratory's system. This stage involves confirming that the sample has been properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional details not covered by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening pertains to an initial, rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach for ruling out drug use in the majority of samples, a preliminary positive result must be corroborated to be viable in legal proceedings. Any samples showing a presumptive positive during Screening require a confirmatory analysis.
In cases where Screening suggests a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing as one of the more challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmatory testing for any positive results during Screening is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Any presumptive positive samples are subjected to a washing procedure prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 standards for accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Bone, ID stands out for its superior detection accuracy. This method offers a robust and reliable way to test for substance use, providing results that can be trusted by employers and organizations with strict drug policies.
Hair follicle testing in Bone, ID is distinguished by its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This extensive detection window allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance use history, offering insights that short-term tests cannot provide.
Hair follicle tests in Bone, ID are notable for their tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This method guarantees reliable and unquestionable results, ensuring that the integrity of the testing process is maintained at all times.
In Bone, ID, the convenience of nationwide testing centers means quick and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services. This widespread availability ensures that testing can be conducted efficiently, without the challenges often associated with traditional testing methods.
In Bone, ID, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to results delivery, every step is designed to ensure privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns related to the process while maintaining confidentiality and simplicity.
Bone, ID offers competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, coupled with fast turnaround times. This ensures excellent value for companies of all sizes, guaranteeing prompt results without compromising on quality or increasing costs.
In Bone, ID, hair follicle tests are renowned for their speed and precision. These tests offer high accuracy, ensuring that any presence of substances is detected effectively. This method outperforms conventional testing options with its ability to deliver reliable and fast results, making it a preferred choice for many.
For Bone, ID employers, hair follicle testing offers compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing the safety of the workplace. This method ensures adherence to regulatory requirements, providing peace of mind and a safer work environment.
