Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a historical record of alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers as the hair strand grows. Collecting hair near the scalp can offer a detection window for up to about three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch piece, consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the width of a #2 pencil), taken nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation tests. For tests involving EtG, additional analyses, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is preferred. We advise using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair exclusively indicates scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory system, ensuring the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data input if not handled by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug consumption in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal validity. All samples presumed positive during Screening need further verification.
Should Screening yield a presumptive positive result, additional hair is gathered from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive results from screens is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. The lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test inspects the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Coolin, ID reveals several advantages. Hair testing's superior accuracy in detecting long-term drug use offers a significant benefit over urine tests, which are limited by shorter detection periods. This ability to uncover long-term substance use history makes hair testing a more reliable option for many employers and organizations, underscoring its effectiveness compared to urine tests.
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing in Coolin, ID is its extended detection window. Unlike other testing methods, hair follicle tests can reveal drug use up to 90 days prior, providing employers with a comprehensive view of an employee or applicant's substance history. This long-term detection capability ensures a thorough substance use assessment, enhancing decision-making processes.
In Coolin, ID, hair follicle drug tests offer a tamper-resistant testing method. This significant advantage reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration, ensuring that results are both reliable and indisputable. By minimizing opportunities for tampering, hair tests provide trustworthy data, which is crucial for employers and institutions that require accurate substance use evaluations.
Accommodating the needs of all clients, Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations nationwide, including Coolin, ID. With easy access to our centers, individuals can experience hassle-free testing processes. Our nationwide presence ensures that everyone has quick and seamless access to reliable drug testing services whenever needed, simplifying compliance and testing obligations.
The process for hair follicle testing in Coolin, ID is both simple and confidential. Ordering, completing tests, and receiving results are designed to prioritize privacy and ease, addressing any concerns regarding data security. This straightforward approach ensures clients can undergo testing with confidence, knowing their information remains private and the process is user-friendly.
In Coolin, ID, our hair follicle testing services boast affordable pricing and fast turnaround. We offer competitive rates, ensuring excellent value for businesses of all sizes. With swift processing times, our solutions provide peace of mind, meeting budgetary needs without compromising on quality, thereby delivering cost-effective and timely drug testing results.
In Coolin, ID, hair follicle drug testing is known for providing fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method’s precision in identifying substance use is unmatched, ensuring that results are both dependable and prompt. With hair follicle tests, individuals and organizations can trust in their ability to accurately detect drug use, providing conclusions that are both timely and exact.
For employers in Coolin, ID, hair follicle testing provides compliance and peace of mind. By adhering to workplace drug-free policies, this method minimizes legal risks while promoting a safer work environment. Hair testing's robust detection capabilities and secure process empower employers to enforce substance regulations effectively, fostering a secure and policy-compliant workplace.
