Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now considered a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a historical record for alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. If the hair is taken near to the scalp, it can offer detection for alcohol and substances for up to roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easily transportable.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of approximately 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil in dimension) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equal weight of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" pertains to any other type of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process of evaluating a drug test result includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into the laboratory system. This step encompasses confirming that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. Although Screening provides a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in most cases, any positive results must undergo confirmation to be legally valid. Presumptively positive samples in the Screening phase require additional confirmation.
For samples that are presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is used for Extraction. During this step, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive results from screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing as needed. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, however, the test assesses the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Mink Creek, ID, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing with its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer a longer detection window and are nearly impossible to tamper with, providing more accurate and trustworthy results.
Hair follicle testing in Mink Creek, ID, excels with its extended detection window of up to 90 days. Employers gain a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, aiding superior decision-making processes.
Hair follicle tests in Mink Creek, ID, drastically lower the chances of sample tampering. This testing method delivers irrefutable results, ensuring the utmost reliability and confidence in the outcomes.
Mink Creek, ID residents benefit from our extensive network of testing centers. With convenient nationwide locations, accessing testing services is quick, easy, and hassle-free.
The hair follicle testing process in Mink Creek, ID is easy and private. Ordering and taking the test, as well as receiving results, all uphold confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns and ease of use effectively.
In Mink Creek, ID, our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround for hair follicle tests provide value and peace of mind. Suitable for businesses of any size, our services combine affordability with efficiency.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests in Mink Creek, ID, set them apart. With high accuracy in identifying substance use, hair tests provide reliable outcomes swiftly, outpacing other testing methods.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Mink Creek, ID, enables employers to uphold drug-free policies, mitigate legal risks, and bolster workplace safety, ensuring compliance and providing peace of mind.