Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair strands can preserve markers of substance use in their fibers, offering a long-term record. When sampled near the scalp, hair testing can detect alcohol and drug usage within an approximately three-month timeframe. Hair samples are uncomplicated to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
Acquiring a 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, or screenings involving more than 10 panels, it is advisable to use 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In situations where scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair explicitly mean scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning describes the initial process of incorporating a sample into a laboratory's system, ensuring the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry tasks not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening delivers an initial assessment for substance abuse. It offers a cost-efficient means to eliminate most drug use cases, although any positive findings require confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples testing as presumptively positive must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch and made ready for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), lending to hair drug testing being among the most intricate methodologies.
Confirmation of positive screening findings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples appearing presumptively positive are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The entire series, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes evaluation under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The so-called "hair follicle tests" actually examine the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outmatches Urine Testing in Clayton, ID
Hair follicle drug tests surpass traditional urine tests through extended detection accuracy and reduced chances of evasion. This makes them an ideal choice for both employers and legal entities seeking reliable data.
Comprehensive Detection Window in Clayton, ID
Employing a detection period of up to 90 days, hair follicle tests provide employers with a thorough insight into a person's past drug use, facilitating more informed hiring and supervisory decisions.
Secure and Tamper-Proof Testing in Clayton, ID
Hair follicle tests offer a sturdy resistance to tampering, thus providing reliable and undoubted test outcomes. This testing method significantly minimizes sample adulteration risks.
Nationwide and Local Testing Accessibility in Clayton, ID
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures convenient access to testing services both nationwide and locally in Clayton. This allows for a swift, efficient, and stress-free testing experience.
Streamlined and Confidential Process in Clayton, ID
The process for ordering, undergoing, and obtaining results from a hair follicle test is straightforward and confidential, addressing any privacy concerns you may have while ensuring seamless service delivery.
Cost-Effective and Speedy Service in Clayton, ID
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times reinforce the value offered to companies, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality or reliability of testing results.
Fast and Precise Detection in Clayton, ID
The hair follicle drug testing process ensures swift and precise results, crucial for employers needing reliable substance use detection. This method's high accuracy gives confidence and aids informed decision-making.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety in Clayton, ID
Implementing hair follicle testing helps align with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal exposure and promoting a safe working environment. This testing method offers peace of mind to employers.
