Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence by entrapping biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair shaft. If cut close to the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol use for up to a 3-month duration. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch bundle comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is ideal for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is preferred. Utilize a jeweler’s scale for precise weighing of the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, equivalent body hair may be gathered. When indicating head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other kinds (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure in the laboratory for processing a drug test incorporates four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to rule out drug usage in most samples, a positive result mandates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted for Preparation. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Final confirmation of any positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation, if needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the sub-scalp hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Parker, ID
Hair follicle analysis offers unmatched benefits over conventional urine tests. With significantly superior detection accuracy, it provides a thorough and dependable review of substance use history. This advantage serves to detect long-term patterns rather than short-term occurrences, boosting overall reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Parker, ID
One of the chief advantages of hair follicle testing is its capacity to identify drug use over a prolonged period, up to 90 days. This extended window offers employers a panoramic insight into an employee or applicant’s substance use, aiding in comprehensive and informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Parker, ID
Hair follicle analysis is renowned for its resistance to sample tampering, offering undeniable reliability. The integrity of results is maintained since the process significantly curtails any opportunity for sample adulteration, ensuring conclusive outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Parker, ID
Our broad network of testing centers, including local spots in Parker, ID, ensures swift and uncomplicated access to drug testing services. This widespread presence simplifies the testing process, facilitating hassle-free and efficient screening operations.
Simple, Confidential Process in Parker, ID
Ordering, conducting, and receiving results through hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. This approach effectively addresses privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use, making the process accessible and stress-free for clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Parker, ID
We offer cost-effective pricing and prompt result turnaround times, delivering excellent value for businesses of varying sizes. Our competitive rates combined with speedy service mean peace of mind with superior return on investment.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Parker, ID
Hair follicle testing stands out for its precision and swiftness in the detection of substance use. This method guarantees high-level accuracy, ensuring results that are both reliable and express. Individuals and organizations favor this testing for its rapid provision of findings, reflecting a comprehensive drug use profile.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Parker, ID
Incorporating hair follicle testing in the workplace enhances compliance with drug-free policies, mitigating legal vulnerabilities, and fortifying workplace safety. This testing strategy not only safeguards legal standing but also provides assurance to employers.
