Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become a recognized method for detecting substance use involving drugs and alcohol. The hair captures a timeline of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, it can offer an approximate 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drug presence. The hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transporting.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 strands (roughly matching the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirming. For tests including EtG, additional panels, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. It's best to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not available, collecting an equivalent volume of body hair is acceptable. When we mention head hair, it exclusively means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair varieties (like facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test primarily involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with inputting the sample into the lab's system. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any further data not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves an expeditious preliminary search for drug substances. This method is efficient for dismissing drug use in the majority of samples; however, any positive screening results must be validated for legal purposes. Samples that suggest positivity in Screening need additional confirmation.
In cases where samples show potential positivity at the Screening stage, more hair is retrieved from the primary specimen for Extraction. At this point, drugs are isolated from the hair at notably lower levels than those seen in other testing methods, like urine or oral fluids, highlighting the challenges of hair drug screening.
To confirm positive Screening outcomes, tests are conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity undergo a wash before Confirmation, as necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, receives oversight under the standards of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While they are often called "hair follicle tests," these tests assess the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Choosing hair follicle testing over urine testing in Maeser, UT offers clear benefits. With enhanced detection accuracy, hair tests far surpass traditional urine tests, capturing a broad spectrum of substance use effectively.
The reliability of hair testing derives from its ability to pick up prolonged drug use patterns. Unlike urine tests, which may be influenced by recent consumption, hair tests present a fuller picture, proving their superiority.
In Maeser, UT, the extended detection period of hair follicle testing is unmatched, able to track drug use up to 90 days back. This offers employers a thorough portrayal of an individual’s substance use history, surpassing the capabilities of shorter-term tests.
Such a lengthy detection window allows for a comprehensive understanding, particularly beneficial for roles requiring high safety standards, ensuring employees meet the necessary criteria for responsibility and trust.
Maeser, UT boasts tamper-resistant hair follicle testing methods, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. Hair tests provide undeniable and accurate results, making them a reliable choice for rigorous testing requirements.
Compared to more susceptible testing methods, hair tests uphold the integrity of results, ensuring that outcomes remain trustworthy and free from manipulation.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient testing locations nationwide, including Maeser, UT, offering seamless access to our services. Our widespread network ensures fast and hassle-free testing, meeting clients’ needs efficiently.
With both local and national centers, we ensure that testing is never inconvenient, emphasizing ease of access and straightforward service delivery for all clients, simplifying the testing process substantially.
The process of hair follicle testing in Maeser, UT is both simple and confidential. Starting from ordering to sampling, and receiving results, privacy is maintained throughout, addressing all concerns about discretion and ease of use.
Our streamlined procedures ensure that clients experience minimal hassle, allowing for efficient management of substance testing with full confidentiality assured at every step.
Our services in Maeser, UT stand out with affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times. Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive rates, ensuring excellent value and peace of mind for businesses regardless of size.
The combination of economical pricing structures and swift result availability provides substantial benefits, fostering reliance on our services as a cost-effective solution to substance testing requirements.
Hair follicle drug testing in Maeser, UT guarantees swift and reliable results. The precision inherent in these tests ensures high accuracy when identifying substance use, offering unparalleled reliability compared to traditional methods.
When speed is a priority, hair tests excel by delivering results quickly without compromising on detail. Their superior detection rates assure users of consistent and exact data, vital for informed decisions.
Employers in Maeser, UT achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. By adhering to drug-free workplace policies, organizations reduce legal risks and foster a safer, more productive environment.
The assurance provided by consistent and verifiable results aids employers in confidently maintaining their commitment to safety and compliance, affirming their responsibility towards employees and clients.