What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair presents a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug utilization by embedding biomarkers in the growing hair strands. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment containing around 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the perfect quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves integrating a sample into a lab's system. This step encompasses checking the sample's sealing and shipping integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in additional data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is the initial swift test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be legally acceptable. Presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

For samples presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a much lower concentration than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), accounting for the complexity of hair drug screening methodologies.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. Every part of the laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use over a 90-day period, in contrast to the shorter window urine tests offer.
Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, enhancing result accuracy.
Offers historical insight: It depicts a pattern of drug use over time, beyond just recent consumption.

Limitations:

Inability to detect recent use: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become noticeable in hair.
Expense: Compared to other drug testing techniques, hair drug tests are usually pricier.
Result variability: Hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

The benefits of hair follicle testing compared to traditional urine tests are substantial in Ursine, NV.

Hair testing offers a reliable edge over urine tests by providing an extended detection window and making it almost impossible to tamper with.

Detection accuracy is significantly improved, with hair samples giving insights into drug use for up to 90 days.
The reliability of outcomes strengthens drug-free policy implementations.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Ursine, NV offers a comprehensive overview of drug use history.

Hair follicle testing detects drug use over a much longer period—up to 90 days.

Employers gain detailed understanding of an employee's or applicant's substance use, helping in better decision-making.
This broad detection window enables a thorough assessment of long-term use or abstinence, providing a more complete picture.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method ensures integrity and trustworthiness in Ursine, NV.

Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of adulteration.

Due to the collection and testing process, it offers results that are consistent and reliable.
This method sets a high standard for authenticity in drug testing, fostering reassurance for administrators and participants alike.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Access in Ursine, NV simplify the testing process.

Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy access with facilities nationwide.

Quick, hassle-free testing is available at every location, ensuring minimal disruption to personal or professional schedules.
The availability of nearby testing centers adds to the convenience and efficiency of the drug testing process for all participants.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process for Hair Testing in Ursine, NV alleviates privacy concerns.

The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results remains straightforward and secure.

Participant privacy is protected at every stage, ensuring confidentiality.
Simplified procedures are designed to enhance user experience and trust in the testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround times, Ursine, NV ensures value for all.

Competitive pricing structures coupled with swift processing times provide outstanding value.

Efficient service delivery ensures results are provided promptly.
These aspects optimize the return on investment for businesses, enhancing peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ursine, NV ensure efficiency in substance detection.

The precision and speed of hair follicle tests make them superior in efficacy. Offering a high degree of accuracy, these tests quickly identify substance use patterns. With minimal wait time for results, they provide rapid insight into potential drug use, crucial for decision-making.

This accuracy fosters trust in the results, meaning stakeholders can have confidence in the actions taken based on these results, maintaining integrity in various scenarios.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ursine, NV is achieved through hair follicle testing.

Employing hair tests ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies.

This reduces legal liabilities and fosters a safer working environment.
Employers benefit from reduced risk of non-compliance, bolstering confidence in maintaining a substance-free workplace.