Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Horseshoe Bend, ID

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to adulterate, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising about 200 hair strands (similar in circumference to a #2 pencil) taken near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is advised. It is advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair only. All other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.) are categorized as body hair.

Process Overview

The primary steps in processing a drug test result in a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a specimen within a laboratory system. This process includes confirming that the specimen was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening require subsequent confirmation.

If presumptive positivity is observed during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction stage. During Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo a wash process before confirmation if needed. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use over an approximated 90-day period, unlike urine tests which have a more limited detection timeframe.
• Resistant to tampering: It is exceptionally challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Offers historical insights: It can reveal a drug use pattern over time, instead of only indicating recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of identifying recent use: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to become noticeable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other forms of drug testing.
• Result variability: Hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Horseshoe Bend, ID

When comparing drug testing methods, hair follicle testing emerges as more reliable than urine testing. Its superior detection accuracy offers a clearer picture of substance use history.

Employers and officials favor hair tests due to their longer detection window, eliminating the pitfalls of short-term urine tests, thus elevating trust and credibility in results.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Horseshoe Bend, ID

Hair follicle testing shines by offering detection over an extended timeline, up to 90 days back. This attribute provides a comprehensive view into the drug history of individuals.

For employers, this means making informed decisions based on a candidate's long-term substance use, providing better assurance for maintaining a drug-free workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Horseshoe Bend, ID

Hair follicle tests ensure results that are nearly impossible to tamper with. By minimizing the risk of adulteration, these tests provide highly reliable conclusions.

This method allows for peace of mind, ensuring that the integrity of the results stands unquestioned, crucial for maintaining thorough and fair testing policies.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Horseshoe Bend, ID

Our numerous testing centers nationwide facilitate easy testing access, eliminating inconvenience and ensuring expedited services.

In Horseshoe Bend, our local facilities bring reliability and ease directly to your neighborhood, ensuring hassle-free drug testing experiences for all.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Horseshoe Bend, ID

Our straightforward and confidential testing process ensures effortless order placement, test handling, and result retrieval while prioritizing privacy.

From beginning to end, the focus remains on user ease and dignity, ensuring that all information remains securely managed and confidential.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Horseshoe Bend, ID

Competitive pricing and swift result turnaround underlie our testing services, offering unmatched value for companies of all sizes.

Businesses can rely on efficient testing processes that provide cost-effective solutions with a focus on superior service speed and thoroughness.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Horseshoe Bend, ID

Prioritizing the highest accuracy, hair follicle drug testing highlights its precision in identifying substance use. The process promises a rapid and dependable analysis, offering swift results that ensure practicality for varied settings.

These tests excel in consistency, beating traditional methods with their precise detection capabilities and saving both time and hassle for local businesses and authorities alike.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Horseshoe Bend, ID

Hair follicle testing upholds employer compliance with drug-free policies, significantly enhancing workplace safety and reducing legal risks. Its thorough process aligns with legal frameworks, ensuring systematic adherence.

Employers benefit from reduced liability and enhanced confidence in all hiring and monitoring procedures, achieving both compliance and peace of mind.

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