Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as a significant approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair records an extended history of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fiber structure of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide nearly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drug consumption. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and simple to transport.
A hair segment of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp equates to 100mg of hair—suitable for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or assessments over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is ideal. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample weight. If scalp hair is unattainable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When we mention head hair, it pertains only to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages involved in laboratory processing for a drug test outcome consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This involves ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any supplementary data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary efficient evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is economical for dismissing drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be court-admissible. Any samples appearing positive in Screening necessitate follow-up confirmation.
If a sample tests positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (i.e., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening demands greater methodological complexity.
Confirmation of any positive screen is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Clark Fork, ID, the advantages are clear. Hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy and dependability. They allow for an extended window of detection and are less prone to evasion tactics often associated with urine tests, offering a clearer view of an individual's substance use history.
Hair follicle testing provides a much larger detection window in Clark Fork, ID, effectively unveiling drug use over extended periods—up to 90 days. This extended detection offers employers an in-depth understanding of a candidate or employee's substance history, facilitating informed decision-making.
In Clark Fork, ID, hair follicle tests stand out due to their resistance to tampering. The method substantially minimizes the possibility of sample manipulation, thereby delivering results that are both credible and compelling, providing peace of mind to all stakeholders involved.
With testing centers easily accessible nationwide, including Clark Fork, ID, convenience is key. Our expansive network guarantees that clients benefit from quick, straightforward, and stress-free testing services, ensuring they can access crucial testing whenever it is needed.
The process in Clark Fork, ID is designed to be simple and private. From ordering the test to sample collection and receiving results, each step ensures confidentiality and ease, addressing any privacy concerns efficiently.
In Clark Fork, ID, we're committed to providing quality services at competitive prices, paired with quick turnaround times. This ensures our clients receive excellent value, making high-standard drug testing accessible to businesses of all sizes.
In Clark Fork, ID, hair follicle tests are renowned for their swift and precise findings. The speediness with which results are returned is matched only by their high level of reliability, ensuring individuals and employers alike receive accurate insights into substance use.
In Clark Fork, ID, the adoption of hair follicle testing by businesses ensures adherence to drug-free workplace protocols. It aids in minimizing legal exposures and enhances workplace safety, fostering a secure environment for both employers and employees.
