Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of substance use by capturing biomarkers in its developing fibers. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to around three months for substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, containing approximately 200 strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both initial and confirmatory tests. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding ten drugs, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be collected. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair only, while "body hair" covers all other types (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of drug test results encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab system. This step involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary check for drug presence. Though Screening is an economical means to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen demand confirmation to stand in court. Any samples testing positive in Screening necessitate a further verification process.
If a sample shows a tentative positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Positive screening findings proceed to Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review complying with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test principally examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing: Hair testing in Crystal, NV, surpasses traditional urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities and reliability. Hair tests offer a broader detection window and are resistant to tampering, ensuring a more accurate representation of substance use compared to urine tests.
Extended Detection Window: Hair follicle testing in Crystal, NV, offers an expansive detection time frame of up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers to gain a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, aiding in making informed hiring and employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: The integrity of hair follicle tests in Crystal, NV, lies in their resistance to manipulation. This testing method significantly reduces the potential for sample adulteration, ensuring that results are reliable and trustworthy, providing peace of mind for both employers and individuals.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations: Our network of testing centers in Crystal, NV, and across the country ensures that accessing hair follicle drug testing services is both swift and straightforward. Clients benefit from the convenience of local testing facilities, minimizing travel time and effort.
Simple, Confidential Process: Crystal, NV, offers a streamlined and private hair follicle testing experience, from order to result retrieval. Our process upholds confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns, and ensuring ease of use for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: With competitive pricing and rapid result delivery, our hair follicle testing in Crystal, NV, provides excellent value. Companies of all sizes can benefit from efficient service and economic pricing, ensuring peace of mind without breaking the budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results: In Crystal, NV, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and rapid processing. These tests ensure high accuracy in identifying substance use, providing results that employers trust. With quick turnaround times, individuals and workplaces benefit from the reliable insights offered.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers: Adopting hair follicle testing in Crystal, NV, aligns with workplace drug-free policies, enhancing safety and cutting down legal risks. Employers benefit from reduced liabilities knowing their workforce adheres to stringent drug use policies.
