What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands encapsulate a prolonged timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of hair growth. When sourced near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of roughly three months for identifying alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirming. For EtG, additional testing, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. It is advisable to gauge the specimen's weight using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The essential phases in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step ensures proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and mandates additional data entry if not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for abuse substances. While screening is a cost-effective method for dismissing most drug usage, any positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive must undergo additional confirmation.

When a sample is tentatively positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The collective lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, complies with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can identify drug use for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine testing which has a shorter detection timeframe.
Challenging to deceive: It is notably challenging to falsify a hair drug test, thereby increasing result accuracy.
Delivers historical insights: Hair tests can reveal a pattern of substance use over time, not solely recent usage.

Limitations:

Inability to detect recent use: Drugs take around 5-7 days to become traceable in hair.
Expense: Hair drug tests typically are costlier than alternative drug testing approaches.
Result variability: Elements such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the drug metabolite concentrations detected in hair.

Note: Despite being often described as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation is conducted on the hair strand itself and not the follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Drummond, ID

Hair tests boast a longer detection period, capturing substance use up to 90 days back, compared to shorter windows in urine tests.
This superior detection capability provides a more comprehensive overview, crucial for long-term substance use evaluations.
Employers benefit from enhanced reliability, refining their assessment of individuals’ drug use history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Drummond, ID

With an ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days, hair follicle tests offer a thorough view of a candidate's substance activity.
Employers gain insight into prolonged drug use, allowing for more informed decision-making in hiring processes.
This level of detailed observation ensures a robust measure of substance habits.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Drummond, ID

The hair follicle test dramatically lessens the risk of sample tampering, providing consistent and uncontested results.
This method encourages confidence in both the process and its outcomes, by reducing adulteration opportunities.
Businesses rely on hair testing's integrity, ensuring results are trustworthy.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Drummond, ID

With nationwide centers, testing is made quick and hassle-free, ensuring easy access to services throughout any locale.
Our Drummond facilities provide the same convenience, offering efficient testing procedures near you.
The widespread availability of centers enhances accessibility for all clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Drummond, ID

The procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving test results is streamlined and secure, maintaining confidentiality at all stages.
This simplicity addresses concerns of privacy and ease, making the testing process user-friendly and discreet.
Employers and employees alike benefit from these thoughtful privacy measures.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Drummond, ID

Our competitive pricing ensures great value, providing organizations with cost-effective drug testing options.
Quick turnaround times mean rapid results, allowing for timely decision-making without excessive wait periods.
By offering affordability and efficiency, we cater to companies of varied sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Drummond, ID

Hair follicle drug tests provide precision and speed in results, offering a high degree of accuracy in substance use detection.
This method ensures reliable identification of drug presence, positioning it as an essential choice for accurate assessment.
The accuracy of hair testing minimizes errors, enhancing trustworthiness in result interpretation.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Drummond, ID

Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, thereby reducing potential legal issues.
This method enhances overall safety by maintaining a vigilant check on drug use among employees.
Employers gain peace of mind from the reliable compliance derived from such testing methodologies.