Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a powerful method in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, providing a comprehensive history of substance use. When taken near the scalp, hair samples offer an up to 3-month span of detectability for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
To acquire the ideal sample for screening and confirmation, a 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) should be used, amounting to 100mg of hair. For EtG tests, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advised. A jeweler's scale is suggested for weighing the sample. In case scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent volume of body hair may be utilized. "Head hair" solely refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The lab procedures for processing a drug test include these four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially introduced into the laboratory's system. This process includes ensuring the sample is appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional required data entry that an electronic chain of custody may not cover.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be verified for legal admissibility. Any sample indicating a presumptive positivity at this stage requires further confirmation.
In instances of presumptive positivity from the Screening phase, extra hair from the initial sample is taken for Extraction. Here, drugs are drawn from the hair at a much lower concentration compared to methods like urine or oral fluid testing, which is why hair drug analysis is challenging to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presuming positivity undergo washing before Confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process—from Accessioning to Confirmation—is reviewed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests actually assess the strand of hair, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Is Hair Follicle Testing Superior to Urine Testing in West Thumb, WY? Hair follicle tests offer a longer detection period for drug presence compared to traditional urine tests, ensuring more accurate outcomes. Employers and legal professionals prefer hair testing due to its capability to provide reliable insights over longer durations.
Extended Detection Window in West Thumb, WY Hair testing offers a 90-day detection window, providing a clear substance use history of individuals. This extensive period allows those responsible for hiring decisions to make informed choices regarding potential employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in West Thumb, WY Hair follicle tests are highly resistant to tampering, offering reliable outcomes. This security eliminates doubts about sample validity, making it a trusted option for many organizations.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Locations in West Thumb, WY Our widespread testing centers facilitate easy access to services across the nation. This convenience ensures swift and effortless testing procedures for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in West Thumb, WY The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and maintains strict confidentiality. Each step, from ordering to receiving results, respects privacy while being user-friendly for clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in West Thumb, WY Our competitive pricing and swift result delivery provide exceptional value to companies of all sizes, ensuring financial efficiency and timely results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in West Thumb, WY Hair follicle drug tests ensure swift results, maintaining high precision in identifying substance abuse. The accuracy and quick turnaround make it a preferred choice for employers who need trustworthy data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in West Thumb, WY Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities. This process enhances workplace safety and reliability, granting peace of mind to employers.
