Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting the consumption of drugs and alcohol. The fibers of a growing hair strand capture biomarkers, offering a long-term record of substance use. When hair is collected near the scalp, it provides an approximate detection period of up to three months for alcohol and other drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, tampering is relatively difficult, and shipping is convenient.
A specimen size of 1.5 inches, roughly equivalent to 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil), taken from near the scalp, yields about 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for tests and verifications. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, or for panels exceeding 10, a larger sample of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. When head hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug test process in the lab comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage, where a sample is integrated into a laboratory system. This step confirms proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody might not cover.
Screening offers an initial assessment for drug presence. While cost-effective for dismissing substance use in most cases, a positive screening result must be confirmed to be legally valid. Samples that test initial positive in Screening require further confirmation.
A sample with a presumptive positive result in Screening proceeds to Extraction, where more hair is taken from the original sample. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Positive findings from Screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that initially appear positive undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review in accordance with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests," the analysis involves the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Oakley, UT, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing in many aspects. While urine tests have been standard, hair testing offers a superior detection method with greater accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a longer detection window and are less susceptible to tampering, making them ideal for employers and legal authorities seeking rigorous drug use assessments.
The extended detection window in hair follicle testing provides a wider scope of drug history, covering up to 90 days. This capability allows employers in Oakley, UT, to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use over time, surpassing the shorter detection periods of urine tests. Such extended insights are crucial for informed hiring and retention decisions.
Hair follicle tests are recognized in Oakley, UT for their tamper-resistant characteristics. Unlike urine tests, which are vulnerable to manipulation, the hair follicle method offers a high level of sample integrity. This helps ensure the authenticity and reliability of test outcomes, delivering unquestionable results crucial for maintaining organizational standards and trust.
Nationwide and local accessibility of testing facilities in Oakley, UT emphasizes convenience in obtaining hair follicle drug tests. With widely distributed around the country, including local centers, our services ensure that individuals and employers can experience a quick, hassle-free, and seamless testing process.
Simplicity and confidentiality are the cornerstones of hair follicle testing in Oakley, UT. From ordering to results delivery, our process is designed to be straightforward and private, addressing any concerns regarding discretion and ease of use. This user-friendly approach ensures peace of mind for clients, maintaining the integrity of their personal information.
Offering affordable pricing and rapid turnaround in Oakley, UT, our hair follicle testing services are structured to deliver value without compromising on quality. Competitive pricing models ensure companies of varying sizes can benefit from our solutions, enjoying quick results and reducing downtime associated with longer testing processes.
The efficiency and reliability of hair follicle drug tests in Oakley, UT are unmatched. Fast, accurate, and reliable results are a hallmark, with hair testing excelling at detecting substance use with exceptional precision. This method not only delivers swift outcomes but also boasts an enviable track record for high accuracy, making it a preferred choice in the industry compared to traditional methods.
Ensuring compliance and peace of mind for employers in Oakley, UT, hair follicle testing offers a robust solution to implementing drug-free workplace policies. By reducing the risk of legal challenges and enhancing safety, employers can foster a healthier, more productive environment while adhering to industry regulations and mitigating potential liabilities.
