Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. It offers a comprehensive history of substance consumption as biomarkers get captured in the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, it can give roughly up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil thickness) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair variations (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a drug test result in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample into the lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not provided by a digital chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid examination for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive finding must be confirmed to be accepted in legal settings. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is among the most complex techniques to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though sometimes termed as "hair follicle tests," the examination evaluates the hair strand and not the scalp follicle.
Why Hair Testing Excels Over Urine Testing in Freedom, WY
In Freedom, WY, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over urine tests. Primarily, they provide superior accuracy and a longer detection window, enabling employers to make informed decisions.
Long-Term Detection in Freedom, WY
Hair follicle testing is ideal for detecting substance use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This gives employers in Freedom, WY a comprehensive overview of an individual's drug history.
Resilient Against Tampering in Freedom, WY
The robustness of hair follicle tests makes them significantly tamper-resistant, assuring reliable insights into substance use. In Freedom, WY, this reduces the potential of adulterated samples.
Convenient Testing Access in Freedom, WY
Our nationwide and local testing centers, including those in Freedom, WY, provide seamless access to hair follicle testing services, making the process efficient and stress-free.
Confidential and Easy Process in Freedom, WY
The process for hair follicle testing in Freedom, WY is straightforward and respects privacy, ensuring ease of use from order to results.
Cost-effective and Swift in Freedom, WY
With competitive pricing and fast turnaround, our hair follicle testing in Freedom, WY offers exceptional value. Companies of any size can benefit from this efficient service.
Quick, Precise Detection in Freedom, WY
For fast and reliable results, hair follicle drug testing stands out in Freedom, WY. This method boasts remarkable accuracy in identifying substance use, due to its ability to capture a longer detection window.
Employer Confidence and Compliance in Freedom, WY
Incorporating hair follicle testing in Freedom, WY enhances workplace compliance and safety. By adhering to drug-free policies, companies minimize legal risks and promote a safe environment.