What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a potent instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by securing biomarkers in the strands' fibers. When sourced near the scalp, hair can furnish up to a 3-month detection window for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels above 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" solely denotes scalp hair. "Body hair" refers to all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).

Overview of Process

The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result comprises four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial step of inputting a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process confirms the sample was sealed and transported correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplementary data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as a preliminary evaluation for substance abuse. While Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for court viability. Any samples that are potentially positive from Screening need further confirmation.

Should a sample appear positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening findings is accomplished via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive specimens undergo washing prior to confirmation, as necessary. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and according to ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

Extended detection span: Hair drug tests can reveal drug usage for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a briefer detection period.
Hard to evade: It is exceptionally hard to cheat a hair drug test, thus enhancing result accuracy.
Historical insight: It can illustrate a pattern of drug utilization over time, instead of just recent instances.

Constraints:

Incapable of detecting recent usage: Drugs take about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
Expense: Typically, hair drug tests cost more than other drug test methodologies.
Result discrepancies: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence the drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although commonly named "hair follicle tests", the assessment examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bovill, ID

Hair tests surpass urine tests with superior detection accuracy and reliability.
The extended detection period captures a comprehensive drug use history, unlike the limited timeframe offered by urine tests.
The reliability of results is enhanced by the difficulty in tampering with hair samples compared to urine samples.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Bovill, ID

Hair follicle testing provides a comprehensive drug use history by detecting substance use over 90 days.
This extended window enables employers to assess long-term patterns rather than just recent behavior.
Hair testing offers valuable insights into an individual's lifestyle, supporting informed decision-making processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bovill, ID

Hair follicle tests are highly resistant to tampering, providing secure and trustworthy results.
The robustness of this method significantly reduces the risk of adulteration associated with other testing methods.
Employers can depend on the integrity of the results to uphold their substance-free workplace policies.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bovill, ID

Our widespread network of testing centers ensures easily accessible services in Bovill and beyond.
Clients experience hassle-free testing with our strategic testing locations spread nationwide.
We prioritize convenience and efficiency, making testing accessible and straightforward for everyone.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Bovill, ID

The hair follicle testing process is both simple and private, ensuring user confidence and discretion.
Ordering and receiving results are straightforward, preserving the privacy concerns of individuals.
The confidential nature of our services addresses both ease of use and client security.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bovill, ID

We offer competitive pricing without compromising the quality and speed of results.
Fast turnaround times facilitate prompt decision-making for businesses of all sizes.
This cost-effective solution delivers value while maintaining the standard of testing accuracy and reliability.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bovill, ID

Hair follicle tests offer unmatched precision and rapid results, ensuring reliable identification of substance use.
The testing method is recognized for its ability to accurately detect drug presence, making it a preferred choice for quick and dependable results.
Employers benefit from the peace of mind provided by these trustworthy and efficient testing outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bovill, ID

Hair follicle testing helps businesses maintain compliance with strict drug-free workplace policies.
This method reduces legal liabilities, fostering a safe and productive work environment.
Employers gain confidence by minimizing risks associated with substance abuse in the workplace.