Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug presence by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. Once collected near the scalp, hair can reflect up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests beyond 10 panels, it is recommended to have 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing is advisable. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used instead. In reference to head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair only, whereas body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome consists of four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This step involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient tool to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be admissible legally. Any samples that are preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample indicate presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the original sample and set for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification as well as the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Summerhaven, AZ, hair follicle testing offers clear advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair testing provides more reliable detection of drug use, offering greater accuracy due to its ability to uncover substance use over a longer period. Employers and agencies benefit from this, ensuring that their policies are adhered to and effectively enforced.
The superior detection window of hair testing makes it the preferred choice for those with zero-tolerance policies. Compared to urine tests, hair follicle tests reduce the chances of false negatives, ensuring compliance and safety in the workplace.
Extended Detection Window
The hair follicle testing method boasts an extended detection window, typically up to 90 days, compared to other drug tests available in Summerhaven, AZ. This allows employers a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, providing crucial insights beyond what's possible with urine tests.
A longer detection period translates to better insights into an individual's drug use behavior. This advantage helps employers and institutions make well-informed decisions, ensuring a drug-free environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration in Summerhaven, AZ. This makes it a tamper-resistant option, providing reliable and unquestionable results. The integrity of the hair test assures employers and institutions of its authenticity, making it difficult to manipulate.
The observed collection process of hair samples adds an extra layer of security against tampering. In comparison to urine tests, the method is nearly impossible to cheat, offering real peace of mind and maintaining high standards of testing integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
The convenience of our nationwide testing centers, including those in Summerhaven, AZ, ensures quick, easy, and hassle-free access to testing services. This network of locations means that wherever you are, a reliable drug testing facility is nearby, ready to meet your needs efficiently.
Local presence translates to undeniable convenience, allowing individuals and employers to schedule and complete testing without undue delay. Our extensive reach guarantees you're never far from quality testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Summerhaven, AZ, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and obtaining results is streamlined to ensure privacy and ease of use. The confidential nature of our testing procedures safeguards your personal information every step of the way.
Our process is designed to promote ease and peace of mind for every client. Confidence in the simplicity of the process assures all involved parties, maintaining the highest standards of discretion and efficiency.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Summerhaven, AZ, we offer competitively priced hair follicle testing with quick turnaround times, providing cost-effective solutions for companies of all sizes. Our affordable pricing ensures that comprehensive drug testing remains accessible without compromising on quality or speed.
Fast turnaround times are essential in today's fast-paced environment. By choosing our services, businesses can rely on swift yet precise results, offering excellent value and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Summerhaven, AZ, the precision and promptness of hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled. Hair testing delivers high accuracy in detecting substance use, giving you peace of mind with rapid results. This testing method stands out because it minimizes the chance of error and quickly reveals any substance use.
The swiftness of hair testing ensures timely decision-making, which is vital for businesses and individuals alike. By choosing this method, you're prioritizing accuracy and efficiency in drug testing procedures.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
In Summerhaven, AZ, utilizing hair follicle testing aids employers in complying with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks, and bolstering workplace safety. This method offers peace of mind, knowing that drug policy adherence is being upheld with precision and reliability.
Hair testing helps maintain a safe working environment by effectively detecting long-term substance use. This proactive approach not only ensures compliance but enhances overall workplace productivity and morale by minimizing potential substance-related issues.