Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair, hair offers a long-term record of substance use. Hair samples collected close to the scalp can provide a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising around 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. Use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, the equivalent amount of body hair may be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types of hair (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of processing a sample within a lab’s system. It involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry tasks that an electronic chain of custody system hasn’t covered.
Screening is a preliminary analysis for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage in the majority of cases, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
When a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are washed before confirmation, as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The test analyzes the hair strand, often mislabeled as "hair follicle tests," rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests in Antelope Hills, WY. It boasts superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide an extended detection window, revealing substance use patterns that might go unnoticed in urine tests, offering a more comprehensive assessment for employers.
The capacity for an extended detection window is a standout feature of hair follicle testing in Antelope Hills, WY. With the ability to identify drug use up to 90 days prior, these tests give employers a broader understanding of an individual's substance history, aiding in informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests in Antelope Hills, WY, offer a tamper-resistant approach to drug testing. By reducing the risk of sample manipulation or adulteration, these tests ensure results are unquestionably reliable, providing peace of mind for employers and legal entities alike.
Offering convenient testing locations both locally and nationwide, our services in Antelope Hills, WY, ensure easy access to testing centers. This network allows for quick and hassle-free testing experiences, enhancing the efficiency and convenience for all users.
The process for hair follicle testing in Antelope Hills, WY is simple and ensures confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease, addressing any concerns about the personal nature of testing procedures.
With affordable pricing structures and fast turnaround times, our hair follicle drug tests in Antelope Hills, WY, deliver exceptional value. We accommodate companies of all sizes, offering competitive rates and speedy results, solidifying our service as a trusted option.
In Antelope Hills, WY, the speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests set them apart. These tests deliver high accuracy when identifying substance use, ensuring reliable results. Their quick processing times further make them a preferred choice, offering fast, accurate, and reliable detection methods.
For employers in Antelope Hills, WY, hair follicle testing facilitates compliance with workplace drug-free policies, thereby minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. It's a proactive approach that promotes both security and peace of mind for employers and their workforce.