Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands’ fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair can indicate substance use for up to three months for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to gather, tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from close to the scalp, yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. To accommodate EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a recommendation of 150mg of specimen is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is inaccessible, collecting a corresponding quantity of body hair is suitable. Here, head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for processing a drug test outcome involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial processing that integrates the sample into a laboratory's system. This encompasses verification that the sample is sealed and shipped properly, the assignment of a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) randomly, and the completion of any data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not provide.
Screening provides a preliminary evaluation of possible drug use. Although Screening is an economical approach for eliminating drug usage in most samples, a positive screen should undergo confirmation to be used in legal proceedings. Any samples with presumptive positives in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
In scenarios where the Screening stage indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair in significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is a complex methodology to execute.
The Confirmation of any presumptive positive screening result is processed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary washing of all presumptive positive samples is conducted prior to confirmation. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as accredited against the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though often named "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing: In Thistle, UT, hair follicle testing emerges as a superior option over traditional urine tests. Its profound accuracy and reliability pinpoint drug use more effectively. Hair tests offer an extended window of detection, surpassing the capabilities of urine tests. This improvement provides a clearer understanding of an individual's drug history.
Extended Detection Window: Hair follicle testing excels in Thistle, UT, due to its capacity to detect drug usage over an expansive period, up to 90 days. This long detection range offers employers valuable insights into employees' substance history. Unlike other methods, this testing gives a broader view of drug use, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: In Thistle, UT, hair follicle tests are preferred for their low susceptibility to tampering. The use of hair samples ensures that test results remain consistent and authentic. This method significantly reduces the chances of sample adulteration, securing trustworthy findings and minimizing doubts about their accuracy.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations: Discover the ease of accessing our extensive network of testing centers, including in Thistle, UT. Nationwide facilities provide quick, hassle-free service, enabling you to conduct necessary tests efficiently. Local availability ensures swift procedures without inconvenience, streamlining the testing experience.
Simple, Confidential Process: In Thistle, UT, ordering, taking, and receiving results from a hair follicle drug test remains straightforward and private. The process respects confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns effectively. Ensuring your ease and peace of mind, our approach simplifies each step, maintaining your information's privacy.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: Our competitive pricing in Thistle, UT, combines with quick processing times, offering exceptional value. Organizations of all sizes benefit from cost-effective solutions and prompt results. These factors reinforce trust, contributing to a seamless testing process while ensuring affordability meets rapid service delivery.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results: In Thistle, UT, hair follicle drug tests are known for their remarkable precision and speed. They swiftly identify substance use with high accuracy. Thanks to advanced technology, results are rapidly processed, allowing organizations to make informed decisions promptly. Hair testing not only catches long-term use but also delivers reliable and conclusive results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers: Utilizing hair follicle testing in Thistle, UT ensures compliance with workplace drug policies. It mitigates legal risks, boosts safety, and provides assurance to employers. Adopting this testing method helps businesses maintain a secure environment, protecting both employees and the company's interests.
