Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of the hair strand capture biomarkers, offering a long-term trace of substance use. Collecting hair near the scalp can yield a detection window of up to about 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, difficult to tamper with, and hassle-free to transport.
A 1.5-inch length of roughly 200 hair strands (approximating the diameter of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for both screening and confirmation purposes. For screenings like EtG, additional panels, or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome follows four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step where a sample gets registered into the lab's system. It involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputing any extra data not provided via electronic chain of custody systems.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for substances. While being a cost-efficient way to eliminate drug presence in most cases, a positive screen requires confirmation to be considered valid in judicial settings. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening need further confirmation.
If Screening suggests positivity, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are withdrawn from hair at more minute concentrations than in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening presents the greatest challenge technically.
Confirmation of presumptive positive results is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples indicating positive are cleansed as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Minidoka, ID:
Hair testing offers superior advantages over traditional urine tests, boasting greater detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests may detect recent use, hair tests present a comprehensive view of drug consumption history, enviably achieving a longer detection span up to 90 days, thereby ensuring a more thorough understanding of an individual’s substance use patterns.
Extended Detection Window in Minidoka, ID:
Hair follicle testing allows for the identification of drug use over a prolonged period, reaching back up to 90 days. This extended detection window furnishes employers with a detailed account of a candidate or employee's drug usage history, empowering them to make informed hiring and workplace safety decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Minidoka, ID:
Utilizing hair follicle tests significantly diminishes the chances of sample tampering. These tests provide an incontrovertible assessment of drug use as they are conducted under direct observation, rendering the results reliable and virtually immune to adulteration thanks to a secure collection process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Minidoka, ID:
Accredited Drug Testing boasts numerous testing centers nationwide, including local sites in Minidoka, ID. This expansive network facilitates easy and expedient access to drug testing services, simplifying the testing process and making it hassle-free for individuals and employers alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Minidoka, ID:
Offering a straightforward and confidential process, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that every step from ordering to receiving results is user-friendly and secure. With privacy as a priority, this transparent process allays concerns regarding confidentiality, streamlining the experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Minidoka, ID:
Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing along with swift turnaround times, making drug testing both economical and efficient. This value proposition empowers organizations of all sizes to access reliable testing without financial strain, promoting peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Minidoka, ID:
Hair follicle drug testing consistently demonstrates remarkable precision and swiftness in substance detection. Known for its unrivaled accuracy, this method ensures reliable identification of drug usage, providing timely and trustworthy results. With rapid processing times, hair tests are ideal for swift decision making to maintain a safe and compliant environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Minidoka, ID:
Employers benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring stringent adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This approach minimizes legal vulnerabilities while simultaneously elevating workplace safety and security, thus offering a tranquil and compliant working environment.