Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Testing hair has emerged as an influential method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When sourced from near the scalp, it offers a detection span for substances reaching up to around 3 months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, deemed the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent volume of body hair may be gathered. Here, head hair strictly refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other forms (such as facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result involves four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial logging of a sample into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample is correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any required data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a swift preliminary check for substances of abuse. Although cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed to hold up in court. Samples that are preliminarily positive in Screening demand a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample be tentatively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening stands as the most challenging method to perform.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo cleaning before confirmation if needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis concerns the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Murray, ID
Hair testing provides clear advantages over urine tests, particularly in detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis offers a broader window of detection and is less susceptible to manipulation, making it superior for identifying long-term drug use patterns, a vital component for a comprehensive assessment.
Extended Detection Window in Murray, ID
Hair follicle testing stands out for its ability to identify drug use over a lengthy period, typically up to 90 days. This extended window offers employers in Murray, ID a complete understanding of an individual's drug use history, crucial for making informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Murray, ID
Hair follicle tests are known for reducing the risks of sample tampering significantly. The method ensures reliable and unquestionable results, providing peace of mind to employers and judicial systems that rely on the integrity of drug testing processes in Murray.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Murray, ID
With accessible testing centers across the nation, individuals and organizations find it easy to access these services in Murray, ID. Our widespread locations offer convenience and efficiency, fostering a seamless process for all testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Murray, ID
We are committed to a straightforward and private approach for ordering, conducting, and accessing results of drug tests in Murray, ID. Addressing privacy concerns is paramount, ensuring the process remains discreet and manageable for users.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Murray, ID
Organizations in Murray, ID can benefit from our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. Our services deliver great value while ensuring peace of mind, catering effectively to businesses of diverse sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Murray, ID
The precision of hair follicle drug tests ensures both accurate and speedy results, which is crucial for crucial decision-making in employment and legal matters in Murray, ID. This method boasts unmatched accuracy in the detection of substance use, making it a trustworthy option for individuals and organizations.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Murray, ID
Employers gain confidence from using hair follicle testing, as it aligns with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal uncertainties. This practice enhances overall workplace safety, ensuring a dependable environment for all employees in Murray, ID.
