Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a longer-term record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches of around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests that exceed 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. The term head hair refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily consists of four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of incorporating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process includes verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick test for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be permissible in court. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample results in a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Cambridge, ID, choosing hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests offers many advantages. Compared to urine tests, hair testing provides superior detection capabilities and exceptional accuracy. With an ability to detect drugs over a three-month period, it presents a more reliable overview of substance use. Thus, hair tests become the optimal choice for employers seeking a dependable drug testing method.
Hair follicle testing in Cambridge, ID extends the detection window of drug use to 90 days, presenting a much longer monitoring span compared to other tests. This extended window allows employers to gain a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance use history, offering insights that are beneficial for making informed hiring decisions. Such extensive detection capability empowers organizations with valuable data about their employees.
Employers in Cambridge, ID benefit from hair follicle tests due to their tamper-resistant nature. Sample adulteration is significantly minimized, ensuring that test results remain reliable and trustworthy. The integrity of the testing process is thus preserved, safeguarding against fraudulent manipulations. This provides a high degree of confidence in test outcomes and supports the integrity of workplace drug policies.
With our expansive network of testing centers nationwide, including Cambridge, ID, accessing hair follicle tests is convenient and straightforward. Our well-distributed locations ensure swift and hassle-free service for all clients. This ease of accessibility grants both individuals and businesses the ability to arrange for testing with minimal disruptions, thereby facilitating regular compliance with drug testing protocols.
In Cambridge, ID, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. The straightforward steps for ordering, sample collection, and receiving results ensure a stress-free experience. Privacy concerns are addressed thoroughly, providing users with confidence in our services. The ease of use combined with confidentiality standards makes our testing process a preferred choice for many.
We offer competitive pricing along with fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Cambridge, ID. Our pricing structure is designed to provide excellent value, making drug testing accessible to companies of any size. Coupled with rapid processing of results, businesses can rely on us for timely insights, facilitating better workforce management and saving time and resources efficiently.
Hair follicle drug tests in Cambridge, ID are renowned for their precision and speed. Their reliability in detecting drug use surpasses traditional methods, ensuring quick and accurate results. This high accuracy means employers can confidently make informed decisions without delay. The swiftness of these tests also aids in efficient workplace management, enhancing overall productivity by minimizing downtime in waiting for results.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Cambridge, ID promotes compliance with drug-free workplace policies, offering employers peace of mind. The reduction of legal risks and enhancement of workplace safety are direct benefits of this testing method. By adhering to rigorous testing standards, organizations ensure the enforcement of zero-tolerance policies effectively, maintaining a safe and productive work environment.
