Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analyses have become a reputable means for detecting consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair strands offer an extensive history of substance intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair. When the hair is obtained near the scalp, it can yield a detection period of nearly 3 months for drugs and alcohol. Obtaining hair samples is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) from the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation procedures. For EtG, additional service, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it’s advisable to use 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. In cases where scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When speaking about head hair, it specifically denotes scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other hair categories (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal phases involved in the lab processing of drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s framework. This procedure ensures that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any further data input absent in an electronic chain of custody setup.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid scan for illicit substances. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to negate drug use in most samples, a positive finding requires Confirmation to be legally acceptable. Any samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
When a sample yields a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, substances are extracted from hair at a notably reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis stands as the most challenging method to perform.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All samples presumed positive are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair label and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the examination is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Arrey, NM highlights how hair follicle testing offers several advantages over traditional urine testing methods. Hair tests provide greater detection accuracy and reliability, evaluating substance use more effectively. Compared to urine tests, hair follicle tests are harder to cheat and offer a broader insight into long-term substance habits.
Extended Detection Window in Arrey, NM explains that with hair follicle testing, drug use can be detected over a significantly extended period, up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance history, revealing patterns that might not be detectable with other testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Arrey, NM demonstrates the resilience of hair follicle tests against sample tampering, significantly reducing the likelihood of adulteration. This ensures that the results are both reliable and unquestionable, providing peace of mind to employers and legal authorities alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Arrey, NM highlight how our expansive network of testing centers makes it easy and swift for individuals to access drug testing services. Whether in Arrey or elsewhere nationwide, our locations ensure a hassle-free experience with fast and convenient service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Arrey, NM emphasizes that our hair follicle testing process is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to results, privacy concerns are addressed comprehensively, ensuring that users experience both ease of access and assurance of confidentiality in each step of the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Arrey, NM assures businesses of all sizes that our hair follicle testing services provide competitive pricing with rapid turnaround times. This combination offers excellent value, along with peace of mind, ensuring comprehensive diagnostics are within reach without compromising efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Arrey, NM highlight the impressive accuracy and speed of hair follicle drug tests. These tests ensure high accuracy when detecting substance use, delivering dependable results. In Arrey, you can trust these tests to provide quick and precise outcomes that are not only verifiable but also unmatched by other testing methods in the market.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Arrey, NM emphasizes how adopting hair follicle testing supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal risks. Employers benefit from increased safety and assurance, knowing that their workforce is in alignment with company regulations and safety standards.
