Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has grown in popularity as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a chronic record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to send for testing.
A standard 1.5-inch sample, consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and examinations exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for accuracy is suggested. In cases where scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, it specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The phase of Accessioning covers the sample's initial integration into a lab's system. This step ensures the sample's integrity by checking its seal and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any supplementary data absent from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is the initial evaluation to detect potential drug abuse. Although cost-effective and effective for most samples, any positive Screening must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate secondary validation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair from the initial specimen is extracted for the Extraction process. This phase isolates drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than alternative methods (like urine or oral fluid testing), making hair drug screening exceptionally challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screen is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Any presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation, as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the focus is on analyzing the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Crystal Bay, NV, hair follicle testing provides advantages over traditional urine tests, marked by superior detection and dependability. Unlike urine exams, hair analyses can reveal substance use over a broader timeframe. This makes them an invaluable tool for obtaining a comprehensive view of an individual's history of substance use, thereby aiding employers in making informed decisions.
In Crystal Bay, NV, hair follicle testing is pivotal for thorough drug screening, with detection capabilities spanning up to 90 days. This extended window is a significant asset for employers aiming to understand an employee's long-term substance use patterns. The ability to capture a comprehensive 3-month history ensures that employers receive detailed insights into drug habits.
Offering unmatched resilience against adulteration, hair follicle tests in Crystal Bay, NV, assure accuracy and validity. Unlike urine samples, which are susceptible to manipulations, hair tests provide unassailable results. This tamper-resistant nature of hair testing secures organizations against intentionally modified samples, offering a trusted alternative for drug detection.
At Accredited Drug Testing's Crystal Bay, NV facility, our comprehensive network of nationwide centers stands ready to serve. Ensuring a seamless testing experience, our locations are strategically positioned to offer easy access and hassle-free testing services, facilitating timely results and convenience for all individuals and organizations in need.
The hair follicle testing process in Crystal Bay, NV, prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving outcomes, the procedure is designed to be user-friendly while safeguarding privacy. This ensures that all stakeholders have a smooth experience, unstressed by complexities or privacy concerns.
Crystal Bay, NV, boasts competitive rates and rapid processing times for hair follicle testing, delivering excellent value. Accredited Drug Testing promises economical options paired with quick turnarounds, making our services accessible to enterprises of every size, ensuring peace of mind and financial practicalities.
Hair follicle drug tests in Crystal Bay, NV, offer remarkable precision and swiftness in delivering results. With their high level of accuracy, these tests are precise indicators of substance use, greatly eliminating doubts associated with other testing methods. The combination of speed and reliability makes these tests a preferred choice for those seeking dependable diagnostic outcomes.
Hair follicle testing in Crystal Bay, NV, brings compliance and reassurance for employers by aligning with drug-free workplace policies. By mitigating legal liabilities and promoting safety standards, hair testing supports businesses in maintaining a secure and compliant work environment. It acts as a vital tool for employers dedicated to enforcing zero-tolerance policies effectively.
Zephyr Cove-Round Hill Village, NV