Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has been established as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol intake. It offers an extended timeline for detecting alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. Hair samples near the scalp can indicate drug and alcohol presence for as long as three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, it's tough to tamper with, and it can be shipped easily.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from around 200 strands of hair, akin to a #2 pencil, collected near the scalp yields approximately 100mg, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, it's advisable to use 150mg of the sample. The sample weight should ideally be confirmed using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair can't be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair is an alternative. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The primary phases involved in processing a drug test result in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample, incorporating it into a lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, the assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and any additional manual data input if an electronic chain of custody is unavailable.
Screening constitutes an initial, efficient test for detecting drug misuse. Though Screening is economical for dismissing drug use in most samples, positive results need further confirmation for legal validation. Samples testing positive during Screening necessitate an additional confirmation process.
Should a sample reveal positive signs during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations lower than those in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug analysis the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive results from the initial screen utilizes methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that exhibit presumptive positives are cleansed before final confirmation, as necessary. Each phase from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the skin.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine tests in Fort Hall, ID, the advantages of hair testing become evident. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy, capturing a broader spectrum of substances over a longer period. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests offer a more reliable and tamper-resistant option, becoming the standard for many professionals.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Fort Hall, ID allows for up to 90 days of drug use history. This period provides employers with a comprehensive view of a candidate or employee's substance use, enabling informed decision-making based on a long-term picture rather than just recent use.
Hair follicle tests in Fort Hall, ID significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering, providing reliable results. The collection method is designed to be tamper-resistant, ensuring the authenticity of the sample and resulting in unquestionable outcomes that stakeholders can trust.
With our extensive network of nationwide testing centers, including locations in Fort Hall, ID, accessing hair follicle testing is convenient and hassle-free. We provide quick and easy services, ensuring individuals and employers have the testing access they need without unnecessary delay.
In Fort Hall, ID, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are streamlined to ensure ease of use and safeguard privacy, addressing any concerns individuals might have regarding confidentiality.
Our Fort Hall, ID services emphasize affordable pricing and a fast turnaround, providing excellent value for companies. This approach ensures that businesses can maintain compliance and safety without incurring high costs or waiting long for results.
In Fort Hall, ID, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. They offer a high level of accuracy in detecting substances, covering a broad scope of drugs and ensuring reliable results. This makes hair testing a preferred choice for those seeking fast and definitive substance use detection.
For employers in Fort Hall, ID, utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal risks and enhances safety, offering peace of mind and reinforcing a commitment to a secure and healthy work environment.
