Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessment is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol intake. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of hair as they develop. When obtained near the scalp, hair offers roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing roughly 200 strands (approximately similar to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. On the other hand, body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails initially processing a sample into a lab’s system. This consists of verifying the secure sealing and proper shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data requirements not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises a preliminary rapid test for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation step.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at considerably lower levels than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging technique to execute.
The Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that are presumptive positive undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted in alignment with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair endorsement and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Testing Excels in Mills, WY: Hair follicle testing offers a more detailed detection period compared to traditional urine tests. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a longer and more thorough view of drug use, up to 90 days. This makes them a superior choice for those seeking comprehensive accuracy in substance screening.
Extended Detection in Mills, WY: Hair follicle tests can identify drug use over up to 90 days, offering an extensive look into an individual's substance history. This ability provides employers with a holistic view of an employee or applicant's drug habits, ensuring better-informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistance in Mills, WY: Hair follicle tests greatly reduce the possibility of tampering, offering secure and reliable results. This testing method is incredibly difficult to cheat, ensuring that the results are authentic and trustworthy for anyone seeking accurate substance use assessments.
Convenient Access in Mills, WY: With numerous testing centers nationwide, including local ones, accessing drug testing services is simple and hassle-free. The widespread availability ensures that individuals and employers can quickly find a nearby location suited to their needs.
Simple Process in Mills, WY: The procedure for hair follicle drug testing is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the steps are designed to protect privacy and simplify the user experience. This approach alleviates concerns regarding the handling and sensitivity of personal data.
Competitive Pricing in Mills, WY: Offering some of the best pricing structures in the industry, our hair follicle tests also provide fast turnaround times. These factors ensure great value for companies, making high-quality drug testing affordable and efficient for all business sizes.
Fast Results are essential in drug testing, and hair follicle tests in Mills, WY, deliver them efficiently. These tests boast high accuracy in detecting substances, making them a reliable choice. They can quickly determine if an individual has engaged in drug use, providing prompt insight for employers and organizations to make informed decisions.
Peace of Mind for Employers in Mills, WY: Using hair follicle testing strengthens workplace drug policies, ensuring compliance and reducing legal risks. This method provides confidence by maintaining safety standards and a drug-free environment.
