Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, it can indicate usage of substances for a period of up to around three months. The process of hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, add-ons, and any tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale is suggested. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. The term 'head hair' specifically denotes scalp hair only. 'Body hair' encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab's framework. Tasks here encompass confirming the secure sealing and correct dispatch of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplemental data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody format.
Screening provides an initial assessment for the presence of substances. While it is a cost-efficient method for ruling out drug presence in most samples, any positive results from Screening must be corroborated for legal validity. Samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate additional verification.
When a sample registers as presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for further Extraction. At this point, drugs are separated from the hair at a noticeably reduced concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Positive results in Screening require Confirmation through methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, every presumptive positive sample undergoes a cleansing process if necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specialization and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often dubbed "hair follicle tests", the assessment targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels Over Urine Testing in Geneva, ID
Hair follicle testing provides superior drug detection when compared to traditional urine tests. The precision and accuracy involved allow for a comprehensive analysis. Hair tests can detect a longer history of substance use, making them more reliable.
Unlike urine tests, hair testing is not easily evaded, as it requires a small sample from the crown or body, offering a more secure method to determine drug use.
Extended Detection Window in Geneva, ID
Hair follicle testing triumphs with an extended detection window that can capture drug use up to 90 days prior. This long detection period grants employers detailed insights into an individual's past substance use.
Contrasting with tests like urine, which offer a narrow detection window, hair testing delivers a more comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's drug usage history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Geneva, ID
Using hair follicle testing drastically lowers the possibility of sample tampering. The nature of hair tests makes them nearly impossible to adulterate or cheat.
Employers gain assurance that the results are genuinely representative of the tested individual’s substance history, owing to the high integrity and tamper-proof nature of hair tests.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Geneva, ID
Simple, Confidential Process in Geneva, ID
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Geneva, ID
Our competitive pricing structures ensure affordability for businesses of any size.
Quick turnaround times provide companies with timely results, delivering both peace of mind and excellent value for investment, reinforcing the commitment to cost-effective solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Geneva, ID
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their swift precision and reliability in detecting substances. The robustness of the testing procedure ensures that results are both accurate and expedient.
The testing centers maintain a high level of professionalism, providing quick turnaround times without compromising the integrity of the testing process.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Geneva, ID
Implementing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with strict drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities for employers.
Employers can confidently maintain a safe work environment, knowing that hair testing helps to uphold a high standard of workplace safety and integrity.
