Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective method for detecting alcohol and drug use. Hair captures long-term use of drugs and alcohol, thanks to biomarkers trapped in the fibers of the growing hair strands. A sample taken near the scalp offers about a 3-month detection window for drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal sample for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair might be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the entry of a sample into a laboratory system for initial review. This phase includes ensuring the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary quick check for drugs. Although Screening is cost-effective to rule out drug use for most samples, a positive result needs to be confirmed for court admissibility. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If Screening shows a sample as presumptive positive, more hair is taken from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are withdrawn from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting hair drug screening's complexity.
Confirmation for any positive Screening result is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Washes are performed on all presumptive positive samples before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Indian Valley, ID
Hair follicle testing presents clear advantages over traditional urine tests. Its superior detection rate reveals a broader history of substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Indian Valley, ID
Hair follicle tests cover a more extended period, up to 90 days, revealing a person's substance history in-depth.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Indian Valley, ID
The risk of sample adulteration is minimized with hair follicle tests, ensuring dependable outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Indian Valley, ID
With testing centers nationwide and local sites, our services are easily accessible, offering a seamless experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Indian Valley, ID
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair test results is straightforward and private, ensuring user comfort and satisfaction.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Indian Valley, ID
We offer competitive rates and swift result times, delivering exceptional value to businesses.
Fast and Reliable Results in Indian Valley, ID
The precision and pace of hair follicle drug tests surpass other methods. They harness remarkable accuracy, detecting substance use efficiently.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Indian Valley, ID
Hair follicle testing aids in compliance with drug-free workplace policies, enhancing safety and reducing legal liabilities.
