Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The analysis of hair samples is increasingly viewed as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair stores a prolonged record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can reveal alcohol and drug usage over a period reaching up to three months. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, hard to manipulate, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or cases requiring more than 10-panel screens, it is advisable to procure 150mg of hair. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate sample measurement. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar quantity of bodily hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Bodily hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is entered into the lab’s system. This stage checks that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial rapid test to identify drug use. Although it’s cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, any positive result from the Screening must undergo confirmation to be admissible in legal settings. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If the initial Screening indicates a presumptive positive, more hair is drawn from the original sample for the Extraction phase. In this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in urine or oral fluid tests, making hair drug screening notably challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screen is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo cleansing before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", this test actually examines the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle tests offer superior advantages over traditional urine tests in Zephyr Cove, NV, due to their enhanced accuracy and reliability. They provide better detection capabilities for substance use.
The benefits of hair testing include a longer detection period and reduced opportunities for tampering, making them a preferred choice for employers requiring dependable testing methods.
In Zephyr Cove, NV, hair follicle testing boasts an extended detection window, covering up to 90 days. This comprehensive scope gives employers a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's past substance use.
By offering a longer observation timeframe, hair tests ensure that even less recent drug use is detectable, providing a complete picture of an individual's history.
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle tests in Zephyr Cove, NV, is their tamper-resistant nature, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration.
This fortified testing approach delivers reliable and unquestionable results, ensuring accuracy and authenticity in substance use detection.
Our nationwide network of testing facilities, including local sites in Zephyr Cove, NV, ensures convenient access to testing services.
The accessibility of these locations provides quick and easy testing solutions, making the process hassle-free for all users.
In Zephyr Cove, NV, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential, addressing any privacy concerns individuals might have.
With an easy-to-follow procedure, individuals can confidently order, participate in, and receive their results seamlessly, maintaining discretion throughout.
Offering affordable pricing and quick turnaround times in Zephyr Cove, NV, hair follicle tests provide businesses with excellent value.
These competitive pricing models ensure that companies of all sizes can benefit from high-quality testing without straining their budgets, bringing peace of mind through cost-effective solutions.
In Zephyr Cove, NV, hair follicle tests stand out for their fast and accurate results. Unlike other testing methods, they provide high precision in identifying substance use, ensuring reliable outcomes.
The efficiency of hair tests allows for quicker detection, offering timely results that benefit employers and individuals seeking substance use assessments.
Employers in Zephyr Cove, NV, can achieve compliance and peace of mind through the use of hair follicle testing. This method supports workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks.
By implementing hair testing, companies can bolster workplace safety, safeguarding both their staff and organizational reputation.
