Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains long-lasting evidence of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is clipped near the scalp, it offers a detection window of nearly three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for testing and validation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, equivalent body hair can be used. Note that by head hair, we only mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab analysis of a drug test goes through four critical stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial processing of a sample within the lab's system. This phase includes confirming the sample's seal and proper shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not entered through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for drug presence. While cost-efficient for eliminating drug usage in most cases, a positive screen mandates confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples that indicate initial positivity in Screening require further validation.
In cases of presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated at a much lower concentration than with other methods (such as urine or saliva), which is why hair testing is the most challenging procedure.
Confirmation for any positive screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests," the method evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle itself beneath the scalp.
Hair Testing Versus Urine Tests
Hair follicle tests provide a substantial edge over traditional urine testing in East Carbon due to their extensive detection capabilities. While urine tests detect recent use, hair tests offer a comprehensive overview of substance use history. This makes hair testing a preferred choice for entities requiring more profound insights.
Reliability and Detection
The reliability of hair testing outshines urine testing, capturing drug use over a prolonged duration. This thoroughness ensures employers uphold zero-tolerance policies effectively by getting an all-encompassing view of an individual's substance habits.
Extended Detection as a Superior Tool
Hair follicle testing grants access to an in-depth detection window of up to 90 days in East Carbon, offering a fuller picture compared to other methods. Such an extended period aids in understanding an individual’s historical substance use, crucial for informed hiring and monitoring decisions.
Providing a Comprehensive Substance Use History
Employers benefit from hair testing's broad detection timeline, gaining insights into potential employees' habits far beyond recent consumption. This expansive detection period helps in constructing a clear understanding of a person’s substance use history, vital for fostering a safe working atmosphere.
Guarding Against Tampering
Hair follicle tests in East Carbon provide a robust line of defense against sample tampering. Unlike urine samples, hair specimens are hard to adulterate, offering dependable and uncontaminated results. This feature makes hair testing a superior method for ensuring test integrity.
Assurity in Testing Integrity
In environments requiring reliable results, hair follicle testing minimizes manipulation chances, thereby securing the authenticity of the test. This assurance makes it a preferred choice for stringent scrutiny, ensuring the accuracy of screenings across various applications.
Convenient Testing Locations in East Carbon
With testing centers spread across the nation and local presence in East Carbon, our services ensure seamless access to testing facilities. This broad reach guarantees that testing is within easy access, reducing waiting times and providing comfort to those needing assessments.
Local and Nationwide Coverage
The ease of locating a testing center nearby reduces logistical concerns for individuals and employers. Our extensive network of centers ensures that comprehensive testing services are available quickly and efficiently, reflecting our commitment to accessibility.
Streamlined Testing Process
The hair follicle testing process in East Carbon is designed to be straightforward and discreet, assuring participants of confidentiality. From ordering a test to collecting samples and receiving results, every step is optimized to maintain privacy and user-friendliness.
Confidentiality and Ease-of-Use
Emphasizing a simple, confidential approach, our testing procedures are crafted to put participants at ease. This dedication to privacy ensures an unintrusive experience, allowing individuals and organizations to receive reliable results without concern.
Value and Efficient Service
In East Carbon, our hair follicle testing is competitively priced without compromising quality. The combination of affordable rates and quick result delivery positions us as a leader in providing exceptional value. Employers can benefit from cost-effective solutions that do not sacrifice accuracy.
Fast Turnaround for Better Business Decisions
Benefit from rapid result processing, crucial in maintaining business continuity and making prompt decisions. We ensure our services not only offer affordability but also deliver quick turnaround times that streamline testing processes for enterprises of all sizes.
The Precision of Hair Testing in East Carbon
Hair follicle tests stand out for their unparalleled accuracy and swift turnaround. Recognized for reliably catching substance use, these tests are processed efficiently, providing accurate results that both professionals and individuals can trust. This precision makes them especially suitable for environments needing definitive testing.
Fast Results You Can Trust
For urgent testing needs, hair follicle testing in East Carbon offers rapid processing without compromising accuracy. Thanks to state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technologies, test results are delivered swiftly, enabling employers and officials to make quick, informed decisions based on reliable data.
Ensuring Compliance for a Safe Workplace
Utilizing hair follicle testing in East Carbon helps employers maintain adherence to drug-free policies. By minimizing risks, reducing legal liabilities, and offering comprehensive insights into employee behavior, these tests significantly enhance workplace safety standards.
Peace of Mind Through Accurate Testing
For businesses, hair testing provides peace of mind by solidifying their compliance efforts, offering solid evidence in maintaining a drug-free environment. With accurate detection, it supports implementing strategies that reinforce workplace safety and company policies.