Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the expanding hair strand. When secured near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to about 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, relatively difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar volume of body hair might be gathered. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. It involves confirming the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use in most samples, a valid positive screen needs further confirmation to be recognized in court. Any samples that are tentatively positive during Screening demand an additional confirmation.
For samples tentatively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair Follicle Advantage
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing for its substantial detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests that detect recent drug use, hair tests provide a comprehensive look into an individual's substance use history, making it more advantageous for strict policies.
Wider Detection Scope
One critical edge hair testing has over urine tests is its ability to uncover a broader range of substances with greater precision. This aspect is crucial for workplaces aiming to maintain a drug-free environment.
Unmatched Reliability
The reliability of hair testing is unparalleled, sourced from the inherent stability of hair samples. This stability ensures accurate results, which support adherence to zero-tolerance standards in various institutions.
Prolonged Detection Period
Hair follicle testing's substantial detection timeframe stretches up to 90 days, surpassing other testing methods. This period provides a thorough review of an individual’s drug history.
Informative Substance Insights
Offering an extended view of substance habits, hair testing aids employers in gaining profound insights into the reliability and history of candidates or current employees.
Holistic Substance Screening
With its ability to reveal long-term drug use, hair testing equips employers with the information needed for confident hiring and ongoing employee appraisals.
Inherent Robustness Against Tampering
Hair follicle testing is remarkably resistant to manipulation, delivering consistent and trustworthy outcomes that resist common tampering techniques.
Reliable Sample Integrity
Through its meticulous collection and analysis approach, hair testing surpasses alternative methods by diminishing risks related to sample corruption.
Secure Substance Assessment
Hair tests ensure an almost foolproof defense against tampering, instilling confidence in results that portray an authentic substance history.
Accessible Testing Solutions
The extensive network of nationwide testing centers ensures convenient and prompt access to services across multiple locations.
Localized Service Presence
Availability in Nelsonia, VA, coupled with nationwide reach, simplifies the testing process, ensuring seamless accessibility for individuals and employers.
Efficient Test Access
The structured setup streamlines the testing experience, providing hassle-free interaction and saving both time and effort for clients.
Straightforward Testing Initiation
Ordering a hair test is uncomplicated, designed to offer a seamless and private experience from start to finish.
Confidentiality Assured
Hair testing services prioritize user privacy, maintaining integrity throughout the process, from collection to results.
User-Friendly Test Procedures
The procedure focuses on confidentiality and simplicity, ensuring that privacy-sensitive users can participate comfortably and securely.
Competitive Pricing Benefits
Our hair testing services are priced affordably to cater to various enterprises, ensuring value without compromising quality.
Efficiency in Turnaround
Rapid processing of hair test results becomes a hallmark of reliability, equipping companies with essential insights promptly.
Valuable Investment
Investing in hair testing offers companies cost-effective solutions with dependable results, fitting budgets while supporting compliance needs.
Swift and Precise Analysis
Hair follicle drug testing offers the dual benefits of speed and accuracy, indispensable for urgent assessment needs. Such tests effectively pinpoint substance usage, thanks to their refined methodologies.
Dependable Substance Detection
The precision of hair testing cuts through the uncertainties often faced in tracking substance use. Real-time revelations from these tests assist in timely interventions and decisions.
Enhanced Accuracy Levels
The attention to detail in hair follicle testing champions its high accuracy, positioning it as a model for effective substance detection amidst growing demands for precise outcomes.
Aligning with Drug-Free Norms
Employing hair follicle testing aligns organizations with drug-free workplace policies, assuring legal compliance and mitigating potential liabilities.
Reduced Legal Exposures
By incorporating thorough hair testing, employers can minimize susceptibility to legal risks, reinforcing a culture of accountability and safety.
Enhancing Workplace Safety
Hair testing augments workplace safety, furnishing employers with critical data that promotes preventive measures and supports a secure occupational environment.
