Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the strands. By collecting hair near the scalp, it can reveal up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, tricky to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, the perfect amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to use a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. Should scalp hair not be accessible, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The essential phases in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial setup of a sample within a lab's database. It ensures the sample's seal and shipping were intact, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any other necessary data input not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid check for substance misuse. Though Screening is a budget-efficient strategy to eliminate drug usage for most samples, a favorable screen requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Any samples with a presumptive positive from the Screening must have secondary validation.
For samples that show a presumptive positive during Screening, extra hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This stage involves isolating drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis among the toughest approaches.
Any positive results in screening are confirmed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleaned as needed. This entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair recognition and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair to urine testing in Preston, ID, hair testing offers distinct advantages. Hair follicle tests deliver superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can identify substance use over a broader timeframe, offering detailed insights into past usage patterns, benefiting both employers and individuals.
In Preston, ID, hair follicle testing boasts an extended detection window, identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This longer period allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, proving invaluable for assessing applicants or employees comprehensively.
In Preston, ID, hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant testing method. By significantly minimizing the chances of sample adulteration, they deliver results that are both reliable and unquestionable, assuring accuracy and integrity in drug testing processes.
With convenient nationwide and local testing centers, including in Preston, ID, accessing drug testing services is hassle-free. Our broad network ensures quick and easy service, eliminating the stress of lengthy processes for individuals and organizations needing prompt testing solutions.
In Preston, ID, our hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, privacy and ease of use are prioritized, addressing any concerns about confidentiality while ensuring a straightforward experience.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Preston, ID, make our hair follicle testing an attractive option. We provide excellent value for companies of all sizes, balancing affordability with the reassurance of receiving prompt and precise results.
In Preston, ID, the precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug testing are unmatched. Hair tests deliver accurate detection of substance use, ensuring fast and reliable results. This method’s accuracy is unparalleled, making it the preferred choice for employers wanting precise and prompt outcomes.
Employers in Preston, ID, gain compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to workplace drug policies. This method helps reduce legal risks and enhances safety, supporting a drug-free environment that protects both employees and employers.
