Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent means for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. It offers a comprehensive long-term history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window for alcohol and other drugs spanning approximately up to 90 days. Collecting hair is a straightforward process, is less prone to tampering, and is convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable portion of body hair can be used. Head hair refers solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial handling phase of a sample within a laboratory system, which includes ensuring proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any needed data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial, rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although a cost-efficient method for excluding drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening need to undergo secondary confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are drawn from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a more challenging procedure to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation, if necessary. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Glenwood, UT, hair follicle testing offers undeniable advantages over traditional urine tests. Not only does it provide superior detection accuracy, but it also ensures greater reliability. Employers prefer hair tests due to their extended detection periods, capturing a more comprehensive record of substance use. Compared to urine tests, which might miss drug use, hair tests offer a robust and tamper-resistant solution.
The extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing in Glenwood, UT, is unparalleled. Lasting up to 90 days, this testing methodology allows employers to see an applicant or employee's complete substance history. This time frame goes beyond what urine tests offer, providing a detailed insight into longer-term substance use, which is critical for making informed hiring or monitoring decisions.
In Glenwood, UT, hair follicle testing stands out as a robust and tamper-resistant method. By significantly reducing the chances of sample adulteration, it ensures results that are both reliable and unquestionable. This testing method's integrity provides assurance to employers and individuals alike, maintaining the utmost trustworthiness in every collected sample.
Our nationwide and local testing centers in Glenwood, UT, ensure straightforward access to our services. We prioritize convenience, offering easily accessible locations for testing across multiple sites. This network of facilities simplifies the testing process, making it hassle-free for every client, regardless of their location, ensuring prompt and efficient service.
The simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing in Glenwood, UT is designed with user privacy in mind. It addresses concerns about ease of use, ensuring that ordering, conducting, and receiving results remain straightforward and private. Clients can rely on the efficient handling of their cases while maintaining total confidentiality in every step.
Glenwood, UT offers affordable pricing for hair follicle drug tests, paired with quick turnaround times. We are committed to providing competitive pricing that offers excellent value for businesses, regardless of size. Our commitment to fast results ensures peace of mind, allowing companies to make timely, informed decisions without stretching their budgets.
At our Glenwood, UT facilities, hair follicle tests provide fast, precise, and trustworthy results. Unlike other methods, this testing type stands out in quickly detecting substance use, boasting an unbeatable accuracy rate. Our services ensure that results are delivered efficiently, ensuring confidence in the findings. This speed and precision make it the preferred choice for those demanding reliable detection.
Utilizing hair follicle tests in Glenwood, UT ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, offering peace of mind to employers. It mitigates legal risks and promotes a safer work environment, safeguarding businesses from potential liabilities. As a trusted method, it reinforces the importance of maintaining a secure, compliant, and drug-free workplace.