Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust technique for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug consumption by preserving biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around three months for both alcohol and various drugs. Hair sampling is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprised of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both initial screening and subsequent confirmation. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, it is suggested to obtain 150mg of specimen. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement of the sample. If scalp hair is insufficient, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes other varieties such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial step of entering a sample into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any additional data requirements that an electronic chain of custody system may lack.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. While being cost-efficient for excluding drug use across most samples, a positive result in Screening must be validated to be court-admissible. Samples that test presumptively positive require further confirmation.
For samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than seen in other tests (like urine or saliva), adding to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples testing as presumptively positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as appropriate. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Hillside, AZ, presents significant advantages. It boasts superior detection accuracy and reliability, making it a trusted choice for many. Employers and agencies prefer hair tests for their long detection window and resistance to tampering, offering a robust alternative to urine testing.
Hair follicle testing in Hillside, AZ, unveils drug use over an extended duration, up to 90 days. This prolonged detection window provides employers with a comprehensive view of one's substance history. It’s invaluable for making informed decisions about potential or current employees’ drug use.
Hair follicle tests in Hillside, AZ, offer a tamper-resistant methodology. They significantly diminish the risk of sample manipulation, ensuring results are both reliable and indisputable. This method stands out for its capability to detect substances without the pitfalls of tampering and adulteration present in other testing forms.
With convenient testing locations nationwide, including Hillside, AZ, accessing our services is straightforward. This network ensures quick, easy, and hassle-free testing, catering to both local and national needs. Opt for our services for the benefit of abundant, accessible testing points.
In Hillside, AZ, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. Ordering, administering, and receiving results are streamlined to address privacy and ease concerns. The straightforward nature of this process makes it ideal for those requiring confidentiality and simplicity in testing.
Our hair follicle testing in Hillside, AZ, is both affordably priced and quick in turnaround. The competitive pricing structure ensures value for all company sizes. Combine budget-friendly costs with fast processing times, and you have a service offering excellent value and timely results.
Hair follicle drug testing in Hillside, AZ, offers fast and accurate results. This method excels in precision and speed, providing reliable data on substance use. By analyzing traces in hair, this test ensures high accuracy, crucial for employers needing dependable outcomes. Choose hair testing for confidence in fast and trustworthy results.
Employers in Hillside, AZ, find hair follicle testing crucial for maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By utilizing this method, they reduce legal risks and enhance safety across the work environment. The reassurance provided by this testing option brings peace of mind and security in adherence to regulations.
