Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Johnstown, WY

What it is, How it works

Seen as a potent resource, hair testing enables the detection of drug and alcohol consumption. It captures biomarkers in the fibers of the developing hair strand, providing a prolonged timeline for tracking alcohol and drug use. When taking samples near the scalp, hair offers up to an approximate 3-month window for detecting both alcohol and other drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is relatively tough, and shipment is easy.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, including around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirming results. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent body hair sample can be taken. Note that head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, while body hair includes other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The main four stages in processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning constitutes the initial phase where a sample is integrated into the lab's system. Tasks include verifying proper sealing and shipping of samples, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody setup.

Screening carries out an initial rapid drug abuse check. While it is a cost-efficient strategy to eliminate drug usage from most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Any Screening stage presumptive positives mandate secondary confirmation.

Samples deeming presumptively positive in Screening prompt additional hair extraction from the primary specimen for the Extraction phase. At this point, drugs are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the hardest methodology to execute.

Any positive Screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before Confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing. The overall process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards for accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests reveal drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which offer a shorter detection timeframe.
• Hard to tamper with: Cheating on a hair drug test is extremely difficult, resulting in more precise outcomes.
• Historical usage tracking: It illustrates drug use trends over a duration, opposed to only recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of identifying recent use: Drugs become noticeable in hair approximately after 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other drug assessment forms.
• Result variability: Drug metabolite concentration in hair is influenced by factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences.

Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the hair follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

The Superiority of Hair Testing Over Urine Tests in Johnstown, WY
Hair follicle testing in Johnstown, WY, stands out for its unparalleled detection accuracy and reliability over traditional urine tests. The method excels in drawing a comprehensive analysis of substance use history, making it preferred by many organizations concerned with employee safety and compliance.

Extended Detection Window

An Extensive Detection Window in Johnstown, WY
Employers in Johnstown, WY, benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, stretching up to 90 days. This allows for a thorough examination of an individual's drug usage pattern, offering detailed insights into their substance history, crucial for informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing in Johnstown, WY
Hair follicle testing in Johnstown minimizes the risk of sample manipulation, providing results that are reliable and beyond dispute. The method's design ensures authenticity and trustworthiness, making it a preferred choice for accurate substance screening.