Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Through the use of hair testing, drug and alcohol consumption can now be detected effectively. Hair serves as a long-lasting record of substances by capturing biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When hair is collected near the scalp, it offers a detection period of up to around three months for both alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent in width to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, extra tests, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, a recommendation of 150mg of the specimen is suggested. It is advised to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair alone. Body hair includes all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
There are four crucial steps in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This process checks if the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any outstanding data entry that might not be present through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid test for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use from most samples, confirmation is necessary for a positive result to be legally acceptable. Any samples that test potentially positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
For samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is taken from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging to execute.
The Confirmation of positive results from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before Confirmation if required. The complete laboratory workflow, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is assessed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Elberta, UT, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine testing. One of the main benefits is its superior detection accuracy. Hair tests can reveal drug usage over a longer period, providing a reliable history of substance use.
Unlike urine tests that require more frequent sampling, hair follicle tests are less invasive and offer a clear advantage in identifying long-term substance use.
Employers in Elberta, UT prioritize hair follicle testing for its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows a detailed view of substance use patterns over time, providing a reliable assessment of an individual's drug use history.
Urine tests, by contrast, offer a limited detection window, making hair tests the choice for those needing more comprehensive insights into substance histories.
Hair follicle testing in Elberta, UT is praised for its tamper-resistant nature. The sampling process significantly reduces the possibility of adulteration, which plagues other testing methods.
This method's integrity is heightened by requiring observed collection, making the results reliable and virtually unchallengeable, offering peace of mind regarding their validity.
Convenience is key in Elberta, UT with our comprehensive drug testing services that cover numerous locations nationwide. This widespread availability allows easy access to testing, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience.
Our local centers in Elberta cater to immediate needs, providing fast and hassle-free testing services, reinforcing our commitment to customer satisfaction and accessibility.
In Elberta, UT, the process for hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results is straightforward, ensuring client privacy is maintained without hassle.
Addressing privacy concerns, our streamlined procedure emphasizes ease of use while guaranteeing confidentiality throughout all stages of the drug testing process.
Elberta, UT residents and businesses can benefit from the affordable pricing and quick turnaround times of hair follicle tests. Our competitive pricing ensures that cost-effective solutions are available for companies of all sizes.
This efficiency in delivering results ensures businesses receive value for their investment, providing peace of mind without compromising on quality or speed.
When considering methods for drug testing in Elberta, UT, hair follicle testing stands out for its speed and precision. This method provides trustworthy results, identifying substance use accurately. It's known for its precision, making it a preferred choice.
In addition to accuracy, hair tests deliver results swiftly, minimizing wait times for those needing drug testing quickly. This efficiency makes it highly reliable.
For employers in Elberta, UT, utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This choice reduces legal risks and enhances safety standards by curbing substance use through reliable screening methods.
Implementing such testing helps businesses stay aligned with regulations, offering a layer of assurance while fostering a secure work environment.
