Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a potent means to identify drug and alcohol consumption. By integrating biomarkers within the strands of growing hair, it provides an extended record of substance use. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for about three months. It is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample comprising 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For tests including EtG, add-ons, or more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing is suggested. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is integrated into a lab's system. It involves checking that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing further data entry if needed beyond an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drug traces. Though Screening offers a cost-efficient means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result must be validated for court admissibility. Any Screening presumptive positive samples require confirmatory testing.
In the case of a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at notably lower concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluid testing, which makes hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of positive Screening results utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the actual test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Myrtle, ID
Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests. Its ability to uncover drug history over an extended period gives it a significant advantage, making it the preferred choice for many employers and legal professionals seeking consistency in monitoring substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Myrtle, ID
The ability of hair follicle testing to identify drug use up to 90 days back allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance use history. This extended window offers critical insight during the applicant screening and employee retention processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Myrtle, ID
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration, presenting a nearly impossible barrier for cheating. The reliability and steadfastness of the results solidify hair tests as a preferred option in environments demanding integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Myrtle, ID
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation ensures easy and prompt access to hair drug testing services. With locations conveniently located, users can experience a seamless process without the challenges of accessing testing facilities.
Simple, Confidential Process in Myrtle, ID
The hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and private, from ordering to receiving results. This confidentiality guarantees that sensitive information is handled discreetly, addressing privacy concerns successfully.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Myrtle, ID
Offering competitive pricing structures alongside quick turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services deliver excellent value. This affordability, partnered with dependable outcomes, caters to companies of all sizes aiming for cost-efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Myrtle, ID
Hair follicle drug tests provide unparalleled precision and speed in detecting substance use. With high levels of accuracy, these tests offer results that businesses and individuals can rely upon for making important decisions regarding employment and legal matters.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Myrtle, ID
Implementing hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks, and boosting overall workplace safety. This compliance mechanism fosters a secure environment for both employers and employees alike.
