Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination is now recognized as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. The hair retains a prolonged record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to collect, not easily adulterated, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches containing approximately 200 strands (equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It’s advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. References to head hair solely concern scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory testing of a drug sample involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This phase verifies proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary and rapid assessment for drug presence. While cost-effective for eliminating drug use in most samples, positive screens need confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with positive screenings necessitate secondary confirmation.
For samples testing presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are removed from hair at a much lower concentration than seen in methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing a complex undertaking.
Confirmation for positive screening results is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples identified as positive are washed as required before confirmation. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly reviewed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is done on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Beats Urine Tests in Bedford, WY
Hair follicle tests in Bedford, WY, offer advantages over traditional urine tests, boasting superior detection accuracy. Hair samples can't be easily tampered with, unlike urine samples, making them more reliable. Their extended detection window captures a more comprehensive usage history.
Extended Detection Window in Bedford, WY
Hair follicle testing is invaluable for spotting drug use over extended periods, up to 90 days. For Bedford employers, it provides an extensive view of an individual’s substance history, making it an essential tool for background checks and employment assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bedford, WY
Hair follicle tests are a robust method against sample tampering common in alternative testing. Their design ensures accurate and trustworthy results, which is critical in keeping the testing process reliable and safeguarding against falsification strategies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Centers in Bedford, WY
With an expansive network of testing centers, including those in Bedford, WY, obtaining hair follicle tests is straightforward and seamless. Ensuring easy access to services, our locations provide a hassle-free experience for users nationwide.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bedford, WY
Our straightforward and confidential testing process in Bedford, WY, allows individuals to order, complete, and receive results easily. Designed to protect privacy, our procedure ensures that participants remain confident in their confidentiality and data security.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bedford, WY
We offer competitive pricing on hair follicle tests, alongside rapid turnaround times in Bedford, WY. Balancing affordability with efficiency, our services provide substantial value, catering to companies of varying sizes and ensuring peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate Results in Bedford, WY
In Bedford, WY, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision. The meticulous process ensures results that reliably denote any substance use. Compared to older methods, hair tests quickly bring high-accuracy results, making them an ideal choice for those seeking timely and correct substance testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bedford, WY
Implementing hair follicle tests helps Bedford employers adhere to drug-free workplace strategies. By contributing to workplace safety and minimizing legal risks, these tests offer peace of mind for all concerned, promoting a healthier workforce.