Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
As a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing is gaining recognition. Hair captures a historical account of substance use by securing biomarkers within the fibrous structure of the hair strand as it grows. When extracted near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to approximately 90 days for drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to gather, has low risk for tampering, and is convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is advisable. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be taken. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The four principal stages in lab processing of drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the introductory handling of a sample within a lab's system, confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input that an electronic chain of custody system lacks.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective strategy to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be validated for legal admissibility. Any samples with presumptive positives from Screening require a further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for preparation in the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is among the more intricate methodologies to conduct.
The Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples labeled presumptively positive are cleaned before confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive lab process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gunnison, UT
Hair follicle tests offer a significant advantage over traditional urine tests in Gunnison, UT. With their high detection accuracy and reliable results, these tests provide a clearer picture of an individual's drug use history. Employers and courts increasingly prefer hair testing as it offers greater reliability and an extended detection window.
Extended Detection Window in Gunnison, UT
Employers in Gunnison, UT benefit from the hair follicle test's extended detection window, which can reflect drug use up to 90 days back. This comprehensive overview allows for a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's long-term substance history, crucial for making informed hiring or retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Gunnison, UT
Hair follicle testing in Gunnison, UT offers a robust defense against sample tampering. Its tamper-resistant nature ensures that results are reliable and trustworthy, mitigating the risk of adulterated samples and supporting the integrity of drug testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Gunnison, UT
Our nationwide network of testing centers, including those in Gunnison, UT, ensures easy access to hair follicle testing services. With conveniently located facilities, clients enjoy quick, hassle-free testing experiences tailored to their specific needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Gunnison, UT
Our hair follicle testing process in Gunnison, UT is straightforward and confidential, ensuring privacy from ordering to receiving results. This user-friendly process addresses privacy concerns while offering an efficient and easy testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Gunnison, UT
We offer competitive pricing structures and expedited turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Gunnison, UT. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from our cost-effective solutions, securing peace of mind without compromising on budget constraints.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Gunnison, UT
Hair follicle drug testing in Gunnison, UT offers outstanding speed and precision. This testing method provides highly accurate results that detect substance use effectively. Depend on the reliability and swift turnaround of hair follicle assessments to maintain the integrity of your workplace environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Gunnison, UT
Adopting hair follicle testing in Gunnison, UT ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method significantly reduces legal risks and boosts workplace safety, providing employers with the confidence and peace of mind that their policies are effectively enforced.