Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a highly effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use through biomarkers trapped in the strands as they grow. When hair is collected close to the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches containing roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp ensures the collection of 100mg of hair, the preferred sample size for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug test results consists of four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample within the lab's system. It involves confirming the sample was appropriately sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While cost-effective for excluding drug usage in the majority of cases, a positive screen requires confirmatory testing to be validated in legal settings. Any samples indicative of positive results during Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
Presumptive positives at the Screening stage lead to additional hair being extracted from the original specimen for further Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than in other processes (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug tests the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any initial positive screening is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation as appropriate. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Beryl Junction, UT - Hair testing excels with superior detection accuracy and reliability, often preferred for its comprehensive screening over urine tests.
These tests provide a wider detection window, showcasing a person's drug history, while traditional urine tests may miss out on older drug use.
Extended Detection Window in Beryl Junction, UT - Hair follicle tests offer up to a 90-day detection period, providing a thorough insight into a person's substance use history.
Employers benefit from this method, obtaining a broad view of an individual's past drug use, crucial for informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Beryl Junction, UT - Hair follicle tests significantly minimize risks of sample manipulation, providing dependable results.
The secure nature of hair testing ensures that results are reliable and tamper-proof, affirming their effectiveness in drug screening.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Beryl Junction, UT - Our extensive network of testing centers offers easy access and prompt service for all testing needs.
An emphasis on convenience ensures that clients can efficiently utilize our nationwide and local testing facilities without hassle.
Simple, Confidential Process in Beryl Junction, UT - Our seamless procedure for ordering, testing, and receiving results emphasizes confidentiality and user-friendliness.
Addressing privacy concerns, the streamlined process reassures clients of their data's safety while maintaining ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Beryl Junction, UT - Our competitive pricing structures are paired with quick result delivery, providing excellent value for companies.
Quick turnaround times ensure that businesses receive timely information, crucial for decision-making, without sacrificing affordability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Beryl Junction, UT - Hair follicle drug tests offer rapid and trustworthy outcomes, ensuring high accuracy in detecting substance use.
The precision of hair testing surpasses traditional methods, providing swift feedback and minimizing errors, making it a crucial tool for effective drug testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Beryl Junction, UT - By employing hair follicle tests, companies guarantee adherence to drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks.
Enhanced workplace safety is a direct benefit, as the robust nature of hair testing provides peace of mind and compliance assurance.
