Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair stores long-term markers of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When samples are taken near the scalp, the hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A strand segment of 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly pencil-sized) nearest the scalp provides a 100mg hair sample, which is optimal for analysis and verification. For EtG, special tests, or panels over 10, a 150mg specimen is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. The term head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (including facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four principal steps in the laboratory processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process involves verifying the sample’s seal and shipping integrity, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry omitted by the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a quick, initial test for drugs. Although Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use suspicion for most samples, a positive outcome must be confirmed to be allowable in legal proceedings. Samples presumed positive in Screening need a subsequent confirmation step.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the specimen for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or saliva testing, which is why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies to conduct.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive result undergo washing before confirmation if required. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 compliance standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the focus is on examining the hair strand itself, and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Low, UT, hair follicle testing emerges as superior to urine tests, owing to its enhanced detection accuracy. By examining hair samples, this method offers more reliable results, minimizing false negatives.
The hair test delivers robust detection capabilities, surpassing traditional urine tests, especially in revealing long-term substance use.
With hair follicle testing in Low, UT, drug use can be identified over an extended period, up to 90 days. This provides employers with a thorough understanding of a potential or current employee's drug history.
This elongated detection window offers a comprehensive view, allowing for informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests in Low, UT significantly diminish the potential for sample tampering, providing results that are both dependable and uncontested.
By the nature of hair testing, adulteration attempts become exceedingly difficult, ensuring a trustworthy testing method.
In Low, UT, our numerous testing centers nationwide offer convenience, enabling easy and efficient access to hair follicle testing services.
This wide network of locations ensures clients experience a seamless and hassle-free testing process.
The hair testing procedure in Low, UT is straightforward and confidential, from ordering to receiving results, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
This simple approach ensures individuals undergo testing with assurance of confidentiality and ease.
Offering competitive pricing structures in Low, UT, we provide value through affordable hair follicle tests and swift result turnaround.
Our cost-effective services cater to companies of all sizes, delivering both peace of mind and economic advantage.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests in Low, UT is unmatched, offering fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes. This testing method excels in identifying substance use, setting a high standard for dependability.
With hair testing, the detection process is swift and meticulous, ensuring a dependable evaluation of an individual’s drug use history.
Utilizing hair testing in Low, UT ensures compliance with workplace drug policies, mitigating legal concerns and promoting safer environments.
This method aligns with stringent drug-free workplace guidelines, enhancing peace of mind for employers.
