Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Through trapping biomarkers in the strands of hair as they grow, hair presents a prolonged history of alcohol and drug exposure. Obtained near the scalp, hair offers approximately a 3-month testing period for substances. The collection process is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) located closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both initial screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weight verification. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair is suitable. By 'head hair', we specifically refer to 'scalp hair'. 'Body hair' encompasses all other hair forms (facial, underarm, etc.).
Overview of the Process
The process of drug test result analysis in a lab comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s framework. This step confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data entry not handled by an electronic custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary quick inspection for abuse substances. Though Screening is budget-friendly for negating drug usage across most samples, a positive result must be validated for court admissibility. Presumptive positives in Screening require follow-up confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from the hair at relatively low concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair testing the most complex method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive finding during Screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 metrics.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself rather than the scalp-embedded follicle.
The advantages of hair follicle testing compared to traditional urine analysis are significant, especially in Nondalton, AK. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. They provide a longer detection window, meticulously archiving an individual's substance history, giving employers more comprehensive data compared to urine tests which are limited in their detection scope.
Benefiting employers in Nondalton, AK, hair follicle testing showcases an extended detection period of substance use, up to 90 days.
By significantly minimizing the risk of sample tampering, hair follicle testing in Nondalton, AK, guarantees more trustworthy and conclusive outcomes.
Accessible from numerous nationwide testing centers, Nondalton, AK residents enjoy the convenience of hair follicle drug testing. Our vast network ensures quick and seamless testing procedures.
In Nondalton, AK, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Offering competitive pricing and prompt results, Nondalton, AK benefits from our hair follicle testing services. Businesses find great value through cost-effective packages.
In Nondalton, AK, hair follicle drug tests deliver rapid and precise results. The exceptional accuracy of these tests stands out in spotting substance use, providing reliable data for employers and authorities.
The high precision of hair analysis ensures all detected substances are accurately documented, benefiting those who need definitive findings.
Employers in Nondalton, AK gain compliance assurance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing.