What it is, How it works

Hair testing has increasingly become recognized as a significant asset for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a long-term account of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When harvested near the scalp, hair is capable of providing a detection period for alcohol and other drugs of up to roughly 3 months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to send.

A sample of about 1.5 inches including roughly 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) collected nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, serving as an ideal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is prudent to measure the specimen using a jewelerâ€™s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The main four stages within the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning starts with the preliminary processing of a specimen within a labâ€™s system. This stage verifies whether the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data input that's not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial brief analysis for substances of abuse. Though Screening offers a cost-efficient means to negate drug use in many samples, any positive result needs confirming to be court-admissible. Any specimens that are tentatively positive during Screening require further confirmation.

Should a specimen appear tentatively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for preparation in Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are harvested from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug testing.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive specimen undergoes washing prior to confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is overseen in line with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Long detection period: Hair drug assessments can identify drug use covering up to 90 days, surpassing urine tests with a more limited detection duration.
Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is quite challenging, enhancing the accuracy of results.
Offers historical insights: It can offer a timeline of drug usage over a span, beyond merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

Incapable of detecting recent usage: It necessitates around 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
Expense: Hair drug assessments tend to be pricier than other drug testing methodologies.
Result variations: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair development may influence drug metabolite levels within hair.

Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Meadows, ID

Hair follicle testing provides superior detection over traditional urine tests, offering reliability in drug history analysis.
It surpasses urine testing in detection accuracy, uncovering drug use that urine tests typically miss.
The longer detection window provides employers with a comprehensive assessment of an individual's substance use.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Meadows, ID

Hair follicle testing can detect drug use for up to 90 days, unlike shorter-detection methods such as urine tests.
This extensive window offers employers a thorough view of a person's substance use history.
It enhances the ability to make well-informed hiring and retention decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Meadows, ID

Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of adulteration, unlike other testing methods.
The integrity of the sample is maintained due to the resistant nature of hair samples.
This results in more reliable and unquestionable outcomes, crucial for maintaining trust in drug testing processes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Meadows, ID

Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide offers convenience and accessibility to services.
Testing locations in Meadows simplify access, making the process hassle-free.
Employers and individuals can easily find a nearby center to facilitate quick and efficient testing.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Meadows, ID

The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results is designed to be straightforward and discreet.
Concerns about privacy are addressed with strict confidentiality protocols in place.
This simplicity and confidentiality ensure a stress-free user experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Meadows, ID

Competitive pricing structures are available, providing value for companies of all sizes.
Quick turnaround times enhance the efficiency of the testing process, delivering rapid results.
This combination of affordability and speed ensures excellent service.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests are known for their fast and precise results in Meadows, ID. They offer a high degree of accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring reliable outcomes. Compared to other methods, hair tests provide a clearer view of an individual's drug history, which is pivotal for informed decision-making. Their rapid processing and accurate detection rate make them a preferred choice for substance testing.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Meadows, ID

Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies.
It helps in reducing legal liabilities and promotes a safer work environment.
Employers are provided with peace of mind knowing that comprehensive testing is in place.