What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month detection duration for alcohol and various drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and examinations beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's recommended to use a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a similar volume of body hair may be obtained. When referring to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Overview of the Process

The four primary stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into a laboratory's database. This step involves ensuring that the sample was securely sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data entry not completed by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial quick evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen test must be validated to be admissible in court. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other approaches (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening a challenging methodology to execute.

Any positive screening outcome is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptively positive undergo a wash before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug analysis:

Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection period.
Challenging to circumvent: It is exceedingly challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, resulting in more reliable results.
Offers historical insight: It can reveal a pattern of drug consumption over extended periods, not just recent usage.

Drawbacks:

Cannot identify recent use: Drugs take about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other drug testing techniques.
Result variations: Elements such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually 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 Cuprum, ID
Hair testing offers extensive detection capabilities compared to traditional urine tests, significantly boosting accuracy and dependability. In Cuprum, ID, hair follicle testing triumphs over urine tests because it provides a broader detection timeframe, capturing substance usage better and offering a clearer picture of an individual’s drug use.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Cuprum, ID
One of the standout advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use up to 90 days back. Employers in Cuprum, ID, gain a comprehensive insight into an employee or applicant's history of substance use. This method far exceeds the limited timeframe of urine tests, aiding in informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cuprum, ID
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of sample manipulation or adulteration, a common issue with other testing methods. In Cuprum, ID, this approach ensures the integrity of the results, offering dependable outcomes that leave little room for dispute, suiting rigorous testing environments.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cuprum, ID
Our vast network of testing centers offers seamless access to testing services both nationwide and locally in Cuprum, ID. This ensures you receive quick, simple, and convenient access to drug testing facilities, reducing wait times and facilitating a smooth testing process wherever you are.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Cuprum, ID
The process for ordering, completing, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is both straightforward and confidential. This safeguards your privacy while ensuring ease of use, addressing any concerns regarding the handling of sensitive information in Cuprum, ID.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cuprum, ID
Our competitive pricing and quick result delivery make hair follicle testing an outstanding value. In Cuprum, ID, businesses of all sizes benefit from affordable solutions that do not compromise on the speed or accuracy of results, providing peace of mind and reliable compliance support.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cuprum, ID
Experience unparalleled precision and speed with hair follicle drug testing. Our method ensures top-notch accuracy in identifying substance use. In Cuprum, ID, these tests stand out for their ability to deliver quick results without compromising reliability, firmly establishing them as the preferred choice for drug detection.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cuprum, ID
Employing hair follicle testing assures alignment with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and elevating safety across the workplace. In Cuprum, ID, these tests help fulfill compliance requirements, fostering a secure and productive work atmosphere for employers and employees alike.