Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the growing strand's fibers. If gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug presence for approximately three months. Collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (about a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal quantity for screening and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair is collectable. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where samples are entered into a lab's system. This involves ensuring correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use in most samples, positive results must be verified for legal admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is sourced from the initial specimen and prepped for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair vs. Urine Testing: In Paradise Valley, NV, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests concerning detection accuracy and reliability. The capacity to uncover substance use over longer periods provides a distinct advantage. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis minimizes the risks of tampering and misrepresentation, ensuring a true reflection of an individual's substance history.
Extended Detection Window makes hair follicle testing an invaluable asset in Paradise Valley, NV. This method can reveal substance use over the last 90 days, unlike urine tests that only detect more recent usage. Employers benefit from a detailed perspective of an individual's substance track record, aiding in the decisions surrounding employment candidacy or ongoing suitability.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Paradise Valley, NV, minimizes the possibility of adulterated samples with hair follicle tests. Through stringent collection methods, the integrity and authenticity of each sample are safeguarded. By reducing uncertainties, hair testing provides undeniable evidence of substance use, becoming a preferred choice for those seeking foolproof results.
Convenient Testing Locations nationwide and specifically in Paradise Valley, NV, offer effortless drug testing access. Our network ensures services are close and accessible, easing the process for businesses and individuals alike. The broad availability across multiple locales means testing is no longer a cumbersome task but an easily integrated procedure.
Simple, Confidential Process in Paradise Valley, NV, guarantees client privacy while easing the drug testing journey. With discreet handling from initial order to result delivery, it alleviates concerns about exposure and complexity. This secure process respects personal information while providing straightforward service for our clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround stand as key advantages for those in Paradise Valley, NV, seeking hair follicle drug tests. Competitive rates make this superior screening accessible, promoting safer workplaces without financial strain. Additionally, our quick turnaround times ensure results are available promptly, delivering efficiency and value.
Precision and Speed characterize hair follicle drug tests in Paradise Valley, NV. By prioritizing accuracy, these screenings surpass others in detecting substances. Results are fast and reliable, offering comprehensive insights into substance use. The method's efficiency ensures prompt decisions, empowering entities to act swiftly based on trustworthy data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Paradise Valley, NV, can be attained through hair follicle testing. Designed to support drug-free workplace policies, it diminishes legal risks while enhancing safety. Employers are reassured by the tests' reliability, knowing they adhere to professional and legal standards, fostering a safe working environment.