Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Mountain Home, ID

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the emerging hair fiber. When hair is extracted close to the scalp, it can provide up to a three-month detection window for substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and over 10-panel screenings, 150mg of hair is advisable. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary phases involved in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial sample processing into the laboratory’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid check for substance abuse. Screening is an economical method to rule out drug use for most samples; however, a positive screening requires confirmation to be legally admissible. Any samples presumptively positive during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.

If a sample indicates a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen and processed for Extraction. During this step, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most complex methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation when necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection window: Hair drug tests can identify substance use over a period of up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection timeline.
• Hard to compromise: Manipulating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, ensuring more reliable results.
• Supplies historical usage data: This method can offer a timeline of drug consumption over an extended duration, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more compared to other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites present in the hair.

Note: Despite being commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the assessment actually examines the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Mountain Home, ID, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by providing superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are standard, hair testing offers a longer detection window, making it more effective in monitoring consistent drug use history. This method leaves little room for manipulation, ensuring accurate representation of an individual's drug use over time.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Mountain Home, ID offers an extended detection window. This comprehensive method can trace drug use back up to 90 days, granting employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history. Such in-depth insight is invaluable for organizations to assess applicants or employees, ensuring informed decision-making aligned with their drug-free workplace policies.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle test method in Mountain Home, ID is highly tamper-resistant. This testing ensures the integrity of results by minimizing opportunities for sample adulteration, unlike more traditional methods such as urine tests. This reliability guarantees that the results are both trustworthy and undisputed, fostering confidence in testing processes for all involved stakeholders.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Mountain Home, ID residents enjoy the convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide and local testing centers. This extensive network facilitates quick, easy, and hassle-free access to essential testing services. Whether you are local or elsewhere, our testing centers are strategically positioned to accommodate your needs, ensuring timely and efficient drug testing services for all.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Mountain Home, ID, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, each step is designed for ease and privacy. This straightforward approach addresses concerns regarding confidentiality, assuring clients that their personal information is handled with the utmost respect for their privacy needs.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing in Mountain Home, ID offers affordable pricing and rapid turnaround for hair follicle tests. Our competitive pricing structures provide excellent value to businesses of all sizes, ensuring cost-effective solutions. The quick turnaround times further enhance this value, offering organizations peace of mind through efficient and budget-friendly testing services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Mountain Home, ID, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. These tests deliver rapid and remarkably accurate results in detecting substance use. This reliability ensures that both individuals and organizations can trust the integrity of the test outcomes. The efficient processing of hair samples facilitates quick results, reducing wait times and increasing convenience for all parties involved.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Mountain Home, ID benefit from using hair follicle testing for compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and promotes a safe working environment. By choosing hair testing, employers can achieve peace of mind, knowing they are upholding strict compliance standards and effectively mitigating potential drug-related issues within their workforce.

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