Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer about a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, less susceptible to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches in length, comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's recommended to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial hair, axillary hair, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result is comprised of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's initial integration into a laboratory's system. This step ensures that the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any necessary additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary assessment for drugs of misuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective approach to examine most samples for drug use, a positive result must be verified to be valid in court. Any samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening require further confirmation through a secondary process.
Should a sample indicate presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly diminished concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Verification of any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity undergo a preparatory wash prior to confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) standards for Hair and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle below the scalp
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests in Stanley, ID, the advantages are clear. Hair testing offers superior detection over much longer periods and is more resistant to sample tampering. This reliability makes it a robust choice for those seeking more accurate and comprehensive substance use detection.
Hair follicle testing in Stanley, ID, allows for detecting substance use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This lengthy detection window provides employers with insight into an individual's long-term substance use habits, offering a fuller understanding of their history rather than just recent activities.
In Stanley, ID, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests significantly lowers the risk of sample manipulation. This secure method ensures that results are trustworthy and valid, reinforcing the credibility of testing outcomes and maintaining high standards of testing integrity.
Stanley, ID, along with many other locations nationwide, benefits from convenient testing centers for easy access to hair follicle tests. Our widespread presence allows individuals and businesses to access testing services without hassle, making the process swift and straightforward.
In Stanley, ID, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results is handled with strict privacy measures, ensuring customer data stays private while offering a seamless experience throughout the testing procedure.
In Stanley, ID, businesses of all sizes appreciate our affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. These competitive rates, coupled with excellent service quality, provide significant value, enabling consistent monitoring without burdening company budgets.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests ensures fast and accurate results in Stanley, ID. The process is designed to detect even trace levels of substance use, providing reliable outcomes. Clients in Stanley benefit from the efficiency and high accuracy rates that our tests deliver, making them a preferred choice for thorough substance testing.
Employers in Stanley, ID, gain peace of mind and compliance assurance by utilizing hair follicle testing. This method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and promoting a safer, more efficient working environment.
