Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term drug and alcohol history by embedding biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. When taken from close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month detection window for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is easy, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to ship.
A 1.5-inch collection of about 200 strands of hair, resembling a #2 pencil, nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is the best amount for both initial and confirmatory tests. For EtG tests, additions, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair should be used. 'Head hair' specifies scalp hair only, while 'body hair' includes all other hair types such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
There are four principal steps in the lab processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system, ensuring proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any missing data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. It is a cost-effective method to rule out drug use in most samples, however, a positive result from screening requires confirmation to be valid in court. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive at the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are separated from the hair at a much finer concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive results is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples preliminarily positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the examination targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Triumphs Over Urine Testing in Enaville, ID
Hair testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests, primarily due to its longer detection capabilities and resilience to manipulation. Hair tests can reveal drug use patterns up to 90 days before testing, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of substance use history compared to the shorter timeframe urine tests cover.
Extended Detection Window in Enaville, ID
The unique advantage of hair follicle testing is its capacity to detect drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days. This allows employers to comprehensively assess an individual's drug use history, offering a more thorough depiction of long-term or habitual use than other testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Enaville, ID
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. As the sample collection is observable, it reduces the risk of sample adulteration, giving a more reliable and unquestionable result. This ensures that the test's integrity is maintained throughout the process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Enaville, ID
Our extensive network of testing centers, which includes local facilities in Enaville, combines convenience with excellence. This ensures quick and hassle-free access to necessary testing services, catering to the needs of employers and individuals alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Enaville, ID
We prioritize a straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle drug testing. From ordering to sample collection and receiving results, each step maintains privacy, addressing any concerns about confidentiality for individuals undergoing testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Enaville, ID
Our competitive pricing models paired with swift result availability deliver exceptional value to companies of all sizes. This balance of affordability and rapid service ensures businesses receive effective, reliable testing solutions without compromising on quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Enaville, ID
Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its swift and accurate ability to detect substance use, providing results that employers can trust. The precision of hair analysis reduces the chance of false positives or negatives, ensuring that decisions are based on reliable information.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Enaville, ID
Implementing hair follicle testing in the workplace enhances adherence to drug-free policy directives. It minimizes legal liabilities and fosters a safer work environment, providing employers with assurance and peace of mind.
