Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It delivers an extended overview of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transporting.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil's width) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the ideal quantity for initial screening and verification. For EtG testing, additional screenings, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is recommended. It is advised to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent collection of body hair may be used. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps for laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This step involves confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves the initial cursory examination for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to rule out drug use for the majority of samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples that show presumptive positive results in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this process, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation when required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lewiston, UT, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing due to its superior accuracy in detecting drugs. Hair tests provide a comprehensive history, unlike urine tests which capture only recent use. Hair follicles retain drug traces up to 90 days, making them more reliable for employers ensuring a drug-free environment. Furthermore, the observed collection process of hair samples adds a layer of integrity, reducing the chance of sample tampering.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing sets it apart in Lewiston, UT, by revealing drug use up to 90 days back. Employers gain a clearer picture of an individual's habits, beyond the short-term scope of urine tests. This comprehensive detection period aids employers in making informed decisions when assessing a candidate or current employee's suitability in maintaining a drug-free workplace.
In Lewiston, UT, hair follicle tests provide a robust defense against tampering and adulteration. As these tests come with an observed collection process, they significantly reduce the risk of an unsupervised or altered sample. This ensures that the outcome is reliable and trustworthy, preventing attempts to cheat the system and providing accurate results that parties can depend on.
Lewiston, UT, residents have convenient access to testing locations nationwide, ensuring swift and hassle-free service. Accredited testing centers across the country provide a seamless testing experience, making it simple for individuals to obtain necessary drug tests without delay. Localized access to these facilities enhances the availability and ease of securing accurate testing services quickly.
The hair follicle test process in Lewiston, UT, is straightforward and ensures confidentiality. It offers an uncomplicated approach for ordering, administering, and receiving results, maintaining privacy throughout. This user-friendly process addresses any privacy concerns, providing individuals with a secure and confident testing experience, making the procedure simple and unobtrusive.
Lewiston, UT, benefits from competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Offering excellent value for businesses of all sizes, these tests help manage costs efficiently. Quick results delivery furthers peace of mind, allowing companies to maintain their operations smoothly while ensuring a safe, drug-free environment efficiently and affordably.
Lewiston, UT, residents can rely on hair follicle drug tests for fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests deliver precise detection of substances with a minimal margin for error. Hair testing not only provides dependable data on substance use but also offers a quicker turnaround time, ensuring results are processed and delivered promptly, keeping individuals and employers informed.
Employers in Lewiston, UT, can achieve compliance and tranquility with hair follicle tests. Implementing these tests ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks, and promoting a safe work environment. By choosing hair tests, companies can confidently uphold their zero-tolerance stance, protecting the business and its employees from the risks associated with substance abuse.
