Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within its growing fibers. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, tough to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches from around 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp provides approximately 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equal amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal steps in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is processed into a lab's system. This process includes checking that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any supplementary data absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary quick check for illegal substances. While Screening is an efficient method for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be usable in legal settings. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening need a confirmatory test.
Should a sample be presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair in much smaller concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Positive results from Screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before Confirmation as necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strands and not the follicles beneath the scalp.
The benefits of hair follicle testing over urine tests in Star, ID are noteworthy. Hair tests are more refined in detecting long-term substance use, amplifying their value for employers who demand accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which reveal recent use, hair testing offers a broader detection window, enhancing its effectiveness.
Hair follicle testing in Star, ID is robust and resistant to manipulation, unlike urine tests that are more prone to tampering. This aspect makes hair testing a superior option, providing employers with dependable results that accurately reflect an individual's drug history.
In Star, ID, one of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, which can cover up to 90 days of substance history. This extensive period allows employers to have a comprehensive perspective on their employees' or applicants' drug use habits, thus making better hiring decisions.
Employers in Star, ID highly value hair follicle tests for their ability to trace substance use over a prolonged timeline. Unlike other methods, this long-term view gives unparalleled insights into an individual’s drug use, aiding in maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
Hair follicle testing significantly mitigates the chances of sample adulteration in Star, ID, providing results that are difficult to dispute. This method’s robustness reduces the potential for tampering, giving employers confidence in the reliability of the test outcomes.
With hair follicle tests being largely tamper-resistant, Star, ID businesses can trust the integrity of the testing process. Ensuring honest and accurate results means employers can maintain stringent drug-free policies without concerns about falsified test specimens.
In Star, ID, the convenience of accessing drug testing services is amplified by our widespread testing centers. Whether local or national, these centers provide simplicity and ease for individuals and organizations needing quick and reliable testing.
The wide network of testing locations ensures that individuals in Star, ID can readily access hair follicle testing. This accessibility supports timely testing processes, making it easier to manage and adhere to necessary schedules without undue travel or delay.
Hair follicle testing in Star, ID is streamlined to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the entire process is adapted to maintain privacy while being exceptionally easy to use, alleviating concerns over complexity.
For Star, ID residents, the confidentiality and simplicity of the hair testing process is reassuring. The secure handling of each test preserves privacy, ensuring individuals feel comfortable and informed throughout every stage of testing.
Our Star, ID hair follicle testing services present competitive pricing and fast results, offering great value for businesses of all sizes. With our quick turnaround times, companies can rely on timely and precise results conducive to their operational needs.
With cost-effective pricing structures and rapid processing times in Star, ID, hair testing is an affordable solution. Businesses can expect superior service that respects their budget while ensuring prompt and reliable results for workplace safety and compliance.
When it comes to swift and precise drug detection, hair follicle testing in Star, ID stands out. Its ability to accurately detect substance use ensures reliability in results. The efficiency of this method means results are quick, minimizing waiting time while assuring high accuracy in substance identification.
The hair follicle testing technology utilized in Star, ID ensures not just speed but also precision. Its thoroughness guarantees employers receive rapid updates on an individual’s substance use, allowing for informed decisions and maintaining workplace safety.
Using hair follicle testing in Star, ID helps businesses comply with drug-free workplace policies, ensuring a secure and legally compliant work environment. This method’s precision minimizes legal risks and fosters a culture of safety and peace of mind for employers.
Employers in Star, ID find reassurance in hair testing’s ability to uphold compliance. By effectively averting drug-related incidents, businesses not only protect their operations but also cultivate a culture of reliability and respect for policy enforcement.
