Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Testing hair is now appreciated as an effective method for discovering drug and alcohol consumption. The strands offer a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When cut near the scalp, these strands can supply approximately a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of nearly 200 hair strands (resembling the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp amounts to 100mg of hair, which is the optimal proportion for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. It is recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial processing of a specimen into the lab’s systems. This entails checking whether the specimen was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing further data that might not have been entered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a fast initial check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-effective measure to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be valid in court. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
A sample showing presumptive positivity in Screening means more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are taken from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to alternate methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most intricate method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed as needed before confirmation. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes called "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cisco, UT: Hair follicle tests provide superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests. Due to their ability to detect drug use over a longer period, hair tests offer a more comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use pattern, making them the go-to choice for critical assessments.
Additionally, the process of collecting hair samples under supervision further enhances the integrity of the test. This approach not only reduces the chances of tampering but also reinforces the accuracy of the results, providing stakeholders with confidence in the findings.
Extended Detection Window in Cisco, UT: One of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing is its extensive detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This allows for a broader view of an individual's drug use history, providing invaluable information for employers or organizations making informed decisions.
By offering insight into past substance use over an extended timeframe, hair tests afford companies the ability to detect habitual drug use patterns, which are crucial in ensuring a safe and compliant work environment. This detection capability sets hair testing apart from more limited testing methods, like urine analysis.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cisco, UT: Hair follicle tests offer a strong defense against sample adulteration. The observed sample collection process ensures that results remain trustworthy and cannot be compromised like other testing methods.
Employers and organizations needing an undisputed assessment of substance use rely on hair follicle testing to maintain integrity and objectivity in their evaluations. This testing method supports their commitment to upholding stringent standards in their drug-free policies.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in Cisco, UT: Our extensive network of testing centers ensures that access to hair follicle testing is swift and convenient. Whether nationwide or local, we provide seamless testing services catered to every client's needs.
The ease of accessibility ensures that individuals and companies can complete the necessary testing processes without excessive travel or logistical challenges, making it a hassle-free experience for all involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cisco, UT: The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle testing results is straightforward and confidential, addressing concerns regarding privacy and ease of use.
From initiating the test request to receiving the final results, we prioritize confidentiality at each step, ensuring data protection and client trust. This assurance encourages compliance and promotes comfort in using our services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cisco, UT: Our competitive pricing structure coupled with swift turnaround times ensures excellent value and peace of mind for businesses, regardless of size.
Ensuring affordable access to reliable testing aligns with our mission to offer quality services without straining company budgets, while fast results delivery means decisions are made swiftly, supporting dynamic business operations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cisco, UT: Hair follicle drug tests offer remarkable precision in identifying substance use, ensuring quick and reliable outcomes. With the ability to demonstrate high accuracy, this testing method guarantees that results reflect the true substance use history of individuals subjected to the test.
Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of misinterpretation, providing consistent and reliable outcomes that employers and organizations can trust. This level of reliability ensures that decisions regarding employment or compliance are based on accurate data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cisco, UT: Utilizing hair follicle testing aids employers in ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies, thus reducing potential legal complications. With increased assurance that policies are met, employers experience enhanced peace of mind.
Enforced workplace safety is paramount, and consistent application of hair testing helps mitigate risks associated with drug use. It serves as a protective measure for the organization while fostering a safe working environment conducive to productivity.
