Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair records a long-term account of alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When extracted near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs, approximately. Hair is straightforward to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch snippet consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly comparable to a #2 pencil in circumference) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to every other hair form (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the initial entry of a sample into a lab’s system. This process involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for prevalent drugs. Though Screening is a cost-efficient means to exclude drug consumption on most specimens, a positive screen must be validated to be legally recognized. Any samples that are tentatively positive during Screening require an additional confirmation.
In cases where a sample is tentatively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is removed from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug analysis the most challenging methodology to conduct.
The confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentatively positive samples undergo cleaning before confirmation where necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Alberta, VA
Compared to the traditional urine test, hair follicle testing offers superior features. Not only does it provide a longer detection period, but its accuracy and reliability make it a preferred choice. It effectively identifies historical substance use, giving a clearer picture of individual habits and supporting informed decisions for employers and legal professionals seeking thorough assessments.
Extended Detection Window in Alberta, VA
Hair follicle tests offer an unparalleled detection window, capturing drug usage history for up to 90 days. This method provides employers with a detailed substance use profile, reflecting long-term habits. It surpasses urine tests, providing a broader understanding of an individual's behavior over time, and serves as a reliable tool for ensuring workplace integrity and safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Alberta, VA
Hair follicle tests deliver a robust defense against sample tampering, offering highly reliable results. This method's resilience ensures that the integrity of the sample remains uncompromised, reducing concerns over adulteration. By choosing hair testing, organizations and officials can trust the accuracy of outcomes, making informed decisions with greater confidence and supporting fair assessments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Alberta, VA
Enjoy the ease of accessing our drug testing services with our extensive network of nationwide and local testing centers. This widespread availability ensures that testing is not only quick but also hassle-free, providing flexibility for businesses and individuals alike. With numerous sites available, accessing tests becomes seamless, contributing to efficient routine management.
Simple, Confidential Process in Alberta, VA
The hair follicle testing process is streamlined and discreet, catering to concerns about privacy and ease. From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed to be straightforward and confidential, assuring clients of their privacy. This simplicity ensures that the procedure is not only user-friendly but also secure, giving individuals confidence while making testing arrangements.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Alberta, VA
Our hair follicle tests offer competitive pricing coupled with swift turnaround times, delivering significant value and assurance for businesses of all sizes. Clients benefit from efficient processing, ensuring prompt access to test results without compromising quality. This balance of affordability and speed is ideal for maintaining operational efficiency and preparing timely reports.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Alberta, VA
Experience unmatched speed and precision with hair follicle drug testing. Designed for accuracy, these tests efficiently detect substance use, providing a trustworthy measure in even the most demanding scenarios. This advanced method offers rapid results, making it ideal for timely decision-making in various contexts, from workplaces to legal settings, ensuring safety and compliance.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Alberta, VA
Implementing hair follicle drug testing helps employers comply with drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing the risk of legal issues and enhancing workplace safety. This testing method provides reassurance through precise and trustworthy results, ensuring adherence to regulations, improving employee performance, and maintaining a secure and healthy professional environment.
