Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has increasingly been recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair, hair offers a historical record of alcohol and drug use. When taken near the scalp, hair may provide a detection timeline of up to around 90 days for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, it is advisable to collect 150mg. It is suggested that the sample be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, the equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s framework. This process includes confirming the sample’s proper sealing and transport, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry missing from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a fast initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug presence in most samples, a positive screen necessitates further confirmation to be permissible in court. Samples that are positive during Screening need a secondary confirmation.
In instances where Screening indicates a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. At this stage, drugs are separated from hair at markedly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to perform.
Confirmation for any positive screen result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often labeled as "hair follicle tests", this test evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Saint Anthony, ID
When comparing drug testing methods in Saint Anthony, the hair follicle test stands out for its superior detection accuracy and reliability over traditional urine tests. It provides a more comprehensive analysis, enhancing workplace and legal monitoring processes.
Extended Detection Window in Saint Anthony, ID
Hair follicle testing in Saint Anthony offers a significant advantage with its extended detection period—up to 90 days. This extended timeline gives employers a thorough understanding of an individual's drug history, aiding in informed decision-making for hiring or ongoing employment assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Saint Anthony, ID
Utilizing hair follicle tests in Saint Anthony minimizes the potential for sample adulteration. This method provides consistent, reliable results that are difficult to alter, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the substance use assessments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Saint Anthony, ID
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide and locally in Saint Anthony ensures that individuals have easy, quick access to testing services, eliminating hassle and making the process convenient for all.
Simple, Confidential Process in Saint Anthony, ID
The hair follicle testing procedure in Saint Anthony is designed to be straightforward and confidential. This ensures privacy concerns are addressed, providing a seamless experience from test order to receiving results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Saint Anthony, ID
In Saint Anthony, ID, we offer competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing, providing excellent value and peace of mind for businesses of all sizes seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Saint Anthony, ID
Hair follicle tests in Saint Anthony, ID, offer unparalleled precision and efficiency. These assessments swiftly deliver high-accuracy results, ensuring timely detection of any substance use. By choosing hair testing, individuals and organizations benefit from robust, trusted outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Saint Anthony, ID
Implementing hair follicle testing offers employers in Saint Anthony the confidence of compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal risks while enhancing safety and productivity, contributing to a secure work environment.