Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utility of hair testing for identifying drug and alcohol use has gained recognition. Hair creates a prolonged record of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within its developing strands. Collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection span of roughly 3 months for substances like alcohol. Its collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and it’s convenient for shipping.
Using a 1.5-inch hair section comprising around 200 strands (similar to the girth of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, optimal for analysis and confirmation. For testing EtG, add-ons, or exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest verifying the sample weight with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair concern scalp hair exclusively, whereas body hair encompasses other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The pivotal laboratory processes for a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample undergoes initial setup in a lab’s system. This step entails ensuring the sample’s sealed and proper shipping, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any supplemental data not available via an electronic chain of custody.
Screening acts as a preliminary sweep for identifying drugs of abuse. While Screening efficiently rules out drug usage for most samples at a low cost, a positive screen must be validated for legal applications. Sample confirmation is mandatory for any presumptively positive Screening results.
Upon reaching presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair in significantly smaller concentrations than in other methods (like urine or oral fluids), underscoring the intricate nature of hair drug screenings.
Verification of any positive screening outcome utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed as required before confirmation. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", these tests actually examine the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fortuna Foothills, AZ
Hair follicle testing is superior to traditional urine tests because it provides more accurate results and reliability. This testing method offers a broader detection scope, providing a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's substance use that urine tests may not achieve.
Extended Detection Window in Fortuna Foothills, AZ
Employers in Fortuna Foothills, AZ, benefit from hair follicle tests with a detection window of up to 90 days. This method offers a thorough overview of an applicant or employee's long-term substance use, supporting informed hiring and retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fortuna Foothills, AZ
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering in Fortuna Foothills, AZ. The method ensures results integrity by safeguarding against adulteration tactics that can compromise traditional drug testing approaches.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fortuna Foothills, AZ
Our expansive network of testing centers, including in Fortuna Foothills, AZ, offers convenient access to testing services. This extensive reach ensures clients can engage with quick and hassle-free testing experiences nationwide.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fortuna Foothills, AZ
In Fortuna Foothills, AZ, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, ensuring participant privacy. Clients benefit from straightforward ordering, testing, and result reporting, all designed to protect identity and maintain ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fortuna Foothills, AZ
Competitive pricing combined with rapid result turnaround in Fortuna Foothills, AZ, offers exceptional value for businesses. We provide cost-effective testing solutions designed to meet the budget and timelines of companies of any size.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fortuna Foothills, AZ
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift and precise detection of substance use in Fortuna Foothills, AZ. Their reliability is unmatched, offering expansive substance detection while maintaining efficiency in turnaround times, ensuring that you can trust the results you receive.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fortuna Foothills, AZ
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps Fortuna Foothills employers comply with drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks, and fostering a safer workplace atmosphere. This practice supports adherence to regulatory standards while maintaining workforce reliability.