Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective approach to identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug usage by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, an optimal amount for screening and confirmation processes. For EtG extensions and/or tests that exceed 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. It's important to note that when mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial process of entering a sample into a laboratory’s database. This step confirms that the sample is appropriately sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. While screening is a cost-effective method to rule out drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen mandates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples showing a presumptive positive in screening require further confirmation.
When a sample appears presumptively positive in the screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. During this stage, drugs are removed from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug tests are challenging to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that show presumptive positivity are washed before confirmation, if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is performed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests," the analysis examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Declo, ID, opting for hair follicle testing over traditional urine testing presents clear advantages. Hair tests provide a broader detection window, making them especially effective at revealing long-term substance use, unlike urine tests that only showcase recent history. With greater accuracy and reduced risk of tampering, hair testing delivers more dependable results, crucial for maintaining robust drug-free policies in professional settings.
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing in Declo, ID is its extended detection window. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days. This offers employers an extensive look at an individual's drug history, providing crucial insights that are not readily available with shorter detection methods. Consequently, this longer span enhances the employer's ability to make informed decisions based on comprehensive data.
Hair follicle tests in Declo, ID provide a tamper-resistant method of drug testing that effectively mitigates the risk of sample manipulation. This method ensures the credibility of results and significantly decreases the chance of sample adulteration. With hair testing, employers can trust the integrity of the results, making it a favored choice for maintaining rigorous standards in drug testing where reliability is paramount.
Accredited Drug Testing provides the convenience of nationwide and local testing centers in Declo, ID. This extensive network ensures that clients can access drug testing services easily, without the hassle of long commutes or wait times. Our strategically located centers are designed to accommodate all testing needs swiftly and effectively, contributing to a hassle-free experience for individuals and businesses alike.
The process of hair follicle testing in Declo, ID is both simple and confidential. Accredited Drug Testing makes ordering, collecting, and obtaining results straightforward, ensuring privacy and ease at every step. We prioritize client confidentiality, making the testing process inconspicuous and efficient, which helps alleviate any concerns about privacy or the complexity often associated with drug testing procedures.
Accredited Drug Testing in Declo, ID offers competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, ensuring superior value and satisfaction for businesses of all sizes. Our cost-effective solutions do not compromise on quality or speed, delivering results that help companies make timely, informed decisions while managing budgets effectively. This balance of affordability and excellence makes us a preferred choice for drug testing.
Hair follicle drug tests in Declo, ID are exceptionally precise and swift, offering unmatched accuracy in detecting substance use. These tests are perfect for organizations seeking fast and reliable results, ensuring that decisions regarding employment and compliance are made with the utmost confidence. The rapid analysis of hair samples guarantees that employers and individuals receive results in a timely manner, reducing waiting times and increasing efficiency.
In Declo, ID, employers can achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method helps enforce drug-free workplace policies, cutting down on legal challenges and promoting a safer, more efficient working environment. By employing hair tests, companies demonstrate their commitment to upholding high standards of safety and responsibility, reassuring both employees and stakeholders alike.
