Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering an extended historical record of alcohol and drug use. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use within a roughly 3-month period. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of around 200 strands of hair (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, and panels over 10, a larger sample of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement of the specimen. In cases where scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. Reference to head hair solely pertains to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
Drug test result processing in a laboratory follows four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the beginning of sample processing within a laboratory system. This step includes verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-effective means to dismiss drug use in most samples, any positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples presumed positive in Screening mandate a secondary confirmation.
In cases of a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is gathered from the initial sample for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from the hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed prior to confirmation as dictated by protocol. The laboratory procedures from Accessioning to Confirmation are scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fairfield, ID
Hair follicle testing offers substantial advantages over traditional urine tests in terms of both accuracy and reliability. With its capacity to detect a broader range of substances and extended detection windows, hair testing outperforms in assessing long-term drug use. Moreover, the method is less invasive and less susceptible to tampering, providing a more dependable assessment for employers and legal authorities.
Extended Detection Window in Fairfield, ID
The hair follicle testing method uniquely provides a longer view into past drug use, up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance use history, offering insights not just limited to recent usage. Thus, employers in Fairfield, ID can make more informed hiring decisions, safeguarding workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fairfield, ID
Hair follicle drug testing significantly minimizes the possibility of sample switching or adulteration, presenting more reliable and unquestionable results. Unlike urine testing, where subjects may attempt to alter samples, hair tests offer a secure method of ensuring the integrity of each test. This reliability imbues stakeholders with confidence in the authenticity of the results obtained, promoting trust in drug testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fairfield, ID
With a vast network of testing centers nationwide and locations in Fairfield, ID, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. The availability of local and nationwide sites ensures that individuals and employers can swiftly undertake necessary testing, enhancing the testing experience with convenience and efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fairfield, ID
The hair follicle testing process offered in Fairfield, ID ensures simplicity and confidentiality throughout. From ordering the test to obtaining results, individuals experience a streamlined process that respects privacy considerations. This ensures that the testing experience remains discreet and comfortable, underscoring that confidentiality is a paramount aspect of the service provided.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fairfield, ID
Competitive pricing and expedited turnaround times make hair follicle drug testing a great value proposition for businesses in Fairfield, ID. Both small enterprises and larger organizations benefit from economical solutions without compromising on quality. The swift delivery of results aids businesses in efficiently managing their workforce screening processes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fairfield, ID
Hair follicle drug testing in Fairfield, ID takes pride in offering precise and rapid results. The test's high accuracy ensures substance use is identified effectively, delivering results that stakeholders can trust. The advanced methodology catches even the most minimal traces of substances, making it a superior option for accurate detection. With reliable outcomes, clients can make well-informed decisions for their needs.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fairfield, ID
Implementing hair follicle testing provides an assurance of compliance with stringent workplace drug-free policies, crucial in reducing legal and operational risks. For employers in Fairfield, ID, this testing method fortifies workplace safety obligations, ensuring that they meet local and national regulatory standards. Ultimately, it fosters a safer work environment, granting employers peace of mind.
