Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand, creating a long-term record of alcohol and drugs. Hair taken close to the scalp can reveal up to a 3-month period of alcohol and drug detection. Collection is easy, tampering is challenging, and shipping is straightforward.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. Utilize a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn’t available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. Head hair implies scalp hair exclusively, whereas body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial sample entry into the laboratory system, including ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any supplementary data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial swift evaluation for drugs of misuse. While it offers a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen mandates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with a preliminary positive result during Screening require additional confirmation.
For a presumptively positive sample in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is notably complex.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed employing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory process undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Tacna, AZ
In Tacna, AZ, hair follicle testing offers unparalleled advantages over traditional urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Tacna, AZ
The ability of hair follicle testing to identify drug use over a 90-day period grants a thorough perspective on an individual's drug history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Tacna, AZ
Hair follicle tests significantly cut the risk of sample alteration, ensuring dependable outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Tacna, AZ
Our strategically located testing centers simplify access for residents and businesses in Tacna, AZ.
Simple, Confidential Process in Tacna, AZ
In Tacna, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Tacna, AZ
Offering competitive pricing and quick result delivery, our services in Tacna, AZ provide excellent value.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Tacna, AZ
Hair follicle drug tests in Tacna, AZ deliver prompt and precise outcomes, guaranteeing superior accuracy in substance detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Tacna, AZ
Employers in Tacna can achieve compliance with drug-free policies through hair follicle testing.