Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair analysis has emerged as a compelling method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When the hair is trimmed close to the scalp, it can serve as a source for identifying alcohol and drugs over an approximate three-month span. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
By gathering a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, you obtain 100mg of hair, which is an optimal amount for both initial and thorough testing. For tests involving EtG, additional checks, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample. In instances where scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. The term head hair is exclusively referencing scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the lab analysis of drug test samples: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase, where samples are recorded into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and dispatched properly, involves assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any necessary data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid analysis for substances of misuse. Although a cost-efficient strategy to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-acceptable. Any tests yielding a tentative positive result during Screening demand a subsequent verification.
Should there be a tentative positive in the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the initial sample for Preparation. Here, substances are separated from hair at a lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which is why hair drug testing poses the greatest challenge.
Backing up any positive screen is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity are cleansed before necessary confirmation. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review per both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair distinction and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests," the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fruitvale, ID
Hair testing sets itself apart with advantages over standard urine testing. Its unparalleled detection accuracy spanning up to 90 days is beyond the conventional scope of urine analysis. Reliability is enhanced, providing peace of mind that results reflect true substance usage rather than recent abstinence.
Extended Detection Window in Fruitvale, ID
Hair follicle tests unveil substance use over a substantially longer time—up to 90 days. This extensive window grants employers a thorough understanding of a person's drug history, surpassing short-term consequential insights traditionally linked with urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fruitvale, ID
The strength of hair follicle testing lies in its tamper-proof nature. Hair samples cut down the risk of deliberate sample adulteration, ensuring the results remain reliable and indisputable. This integrity of testing results boosts confidence in assessing genuine substance use history.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fruitvale, ID
With our vast network of testing facilities spread across the nation, acquiring testing services is seamless. Local availability in Fruitvale further simplifies the process, offering effortless, trouble-free access for swift drug testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fruitvale, ID
Our testing procedure emphasizes simplicity and privacy. From ordering to result retrieval, clients are assured that their confidential information is protected, enabling worry-free engagement with our services while maintaining personal privacy throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fruitvale, ID
Our competitive pricing and expeditious turnaround times signify exceptional value. Catering to businesses of varying scales, these advantageous terms ensure prudent investments and brisk results delivery, reinforcing peace of mind through efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fruitvale, ID
Hair follicle tests deliver prompt and precise results. Known for their high accuracy in detecting substance consumption, these tests offer quick completion times with trustworthy and consistent findings, making them highly effective in various contexts where timely and accurate detection is essential.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fruitvale, ID
Opting for hair follicle testing secures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. Assuring adherence to regulations, it diminishes legal liabilities and prompts a safer work environment, thereby fostering peace of mind with regard to employee substance use monitoring.
