Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method to identify drug and alcohol usage. Hair strands capture a comprehensive record of drug and alcohol consumption, as biomarkers get encased in the strands of growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair tests can cover up to a 90-day period of drug and alcohol detection. Hair sampling is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 hairs (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides the optimal 100mg needed for screening and validation. For EtG, additional services, and/or tests that exceed 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair cannot be gathered, a similar volume of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair denote only scalp hair, while body hair pertains to all other varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four critical phases in laboratory processing for drug test outcomes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab’s system. This phase includes ensuring that the sample is correctly sealed and sent, assigning a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial swift examination for substance abuse. While screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for judicial acceptance. Samples that are initially flagged as positive during screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If screening implies a positive result, additional hair is retrieved from the primary sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower levels than alternative approaches (such as urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug testing as the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All initially positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being occasionally called "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Arden, NV
Hair follicle testing offers better detection accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests. Its longer detection period allows for a more comprehensive analysis of substance use. The precision outshines conventional urine tests, making it a superior choice in many professional and legal environments.
Extended Detection Window in Arden, NV
Hair follicle testing provides a long-term view of substance use, able to trace drugs up to 90 days back. This extended detection period gives employers a detailed perspective of an employee’s substance habits, enabling them to make informed decisions about workplace safety and performance.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Arden, NV
The structure of hair follicle testing reduces the chance of sample tampering significantly. This methodology assures the integrity of test results, offering a strong defense against any attempts to alter or adulterate samples, thus delivering truly accurate findings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Arden, NV
With testing centers spread nationwide and locally in Arden, NV, our services are easily accessible. This widespread presence guarantees quick and hassle-free drug testing for individuals and organizations, saving time and ensuring efficient service delivery.
Simple, Confidential Process in Arden, NV
Our straightforward process ensures confidentiality at every stage, from ordering to receiving results. This addresses any privacy concerns clients might have, making it an easy and trustworthy choice for drug testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Arden, NV
Our competitive pricing structures coupled with quick results provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes. This affordability and speed create a balance that encourages businesses to opt for our services confidently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Arden, NV
Hair follicle tests deliver high precision and speed in detecting traces of substance use. Their thorough analysis provides dependable results quickly, ensuring employers and professionals get timely information. The accuracy surpasses traditional methods, making it a go-to choice for reliable testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Arden, NV
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers follow drug-free workplace policies effectively. This ensures reduced legal risks and promotes a safer, more productive work environment. The reliable results contribute to compliance, supporting organizational goals.