Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-standing archive of alcohol and drug use by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When procured near the scalp, hair offers a detection span of up to around 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A segment of 1.5 inches of roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and verification. For EtG, extra panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The quartet of primary steps in the lab processing of drug test results includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This process verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary quick assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use suspicion on most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that test positively in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial collection and readied for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated from hair at a concentration much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Green River, UT
Hair follicle tests provide a superior alternative to traditional urine tests. They detect drug use accurately over extended periods and withstand tampering attempts, offering a more comprehensive evaluation of substance use behaviors. Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing enhances reliability and accuracy, providing a more complete picture of one's substance history.
Extended Detection Window in Green River, UT
Through hair follicle testing, drug use can be detected up to 90 days retrospectively, allowing employers to thoroughly assess an individual's historical substance use. This extensive detection period lets employers make informed decisions based on a comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's substance history, far surpassing the capabilities of traditional testing methods.
Infallible Testing Methods in Green River, UT
Hair follicle tests are inherently tamper-resistant and minimize the risk of sample adulteration, providing consistent and authoritative results. This method of testing ensures that the sample integrity remains uncompromised, offering employers and other stakeholders dependable outcomes to inform their substance use policies and practices.
Convenient Testing in Green River, UT
With a network of nationwide centers, accessing hair follicle testing services is both convenient and straightforward. Whether the need is local or far-reaching, the availability of numerous testing sites ensures that individuals and employers can take advantage of quick, hassle-free testing experiences, making it simple to uphold workplace demands.
A Confidential and Hassle-Free Process in Green River, UT
The hair follicle testing process prioritizes simplicity and privacy, ensuring that individuals can easily order tests, submit samples, and receive results. The confidential nature of these procedures addresses privacy concerns, providing a streamlined and secure experience from start to finish.
Competitive Pricing and Quick Results in Green River, UT
Hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing structures, ensuring it is accessible for businesses of varied sizes. The rapid turnaround times add to its value proposition, providing organizations with timely insights while maintaining cost-effectiveness. This combination enhances both the practicality and appeal of this testing solution.
Fast and Accurate Testing in Green River, UT
The hair follicle drug tests offer exceptional precision and speed, capable of promptly identifying substance use with high accuracy. This method is designed to interfere minimally with the user, while still detecting a broad range of substances effectively. The streamlined process ensures quick results without sacrificing reliability, making it a preferred method for substance testing in Green River.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety in Green River, UT
Hair follicle testing supports employers in maintaining compliance with stringent drug-free workplace policies, which reduces legal liabilities by ensuring a safer work environment. This reliable method helps foster a responsible workplace culture while mitigating risks associated with non-compliance, giving employers peace of mind.
