What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol consumption. By incorporating biomarkers within its fibers, hair offers an extended history of substance use. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal a timeline of up to three months concerning alcohol and drug use. It's easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.

A 1.5-inch segment, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for preliminary testing and verification. For EtG, additional procedures, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, it's advisable to have 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable volume of body hair is suitable. "Head hair" refers to scalp hair exclusively. "Body hair" denotes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Overview of the Procedure

There are four primary stages in the lab analysis of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the initial recording of a sample into a laboratory's framework. This entails validating the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.

Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is an economical way to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal acceptance. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.

Upon a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.

Any positive screening outcomes undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary before confirmation. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a narrower detection span.
Resistant to tampering: It's notably challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, thus enhancing result accuracy.
Offers historic insight: It can illustrate a trend of drug usage over a duration, beyond just recent consumption.

Challenges:

Inability to detect recent consumption: Drugs become traceable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other drug testing techniques.
Result variations: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: While frequently described as "hair follicle tests", the examination pertains to the hair strand, not the scalp's hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ethete, WY: In Ethete, WY, the advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests are evident. Hair tests boast a superior detection period, uncovering drug use over a three-month span versus the limited temporal scope of urine tests. This comprehensive coverage allows employers a clearer view of an individual's substance history, ensuring more informed hiring or monitoring decisions.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Ethete, WY: Hair follicle testing stands out for its prolonged detection capability, spanning up to 90 days. This attribute is instrumental for employers in Ethete, WY, offering a detailed overview of an employee or candidate's substance behavior. The extended timeline ensures that occasional drug use is captured, presenting a fuller picture of the individual's history, unmatched by shorter-period tests like urine.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ethete, WY: Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering, providing dependable results in Ethete, WY. The process ensures that any attempt at adulteration is fruitless, as the sample is collected under strict observation. This assurance means the outcomes are reliable, offering organizations peace of mind, knowing that the results will remain uncontaminated and trustworthy.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ethete, WY: The availability of national and local locations in Ethete, WY makes accessing hair follicle testing convenient and hassle-free. Accredited testing centers are strategically positioned to offer quick and efficient services, minimizing delays. This broad network ensures that clients can easily schedule appointments, maintaining the testing process as seamless and straightforward.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Ethete, WY: The hair follicle testing procedure in Ethete, WY is designed to be simple and private from ordering to result delivery. The steps are streamlined and secure to respect clients' privacy, ensuring comfort and peace of mind. This user-friendly approach guarantees an effortless experience, making it accessible for individuals and organizations requiring discreet and confidential testing outcomes.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ethete, WY: Ethete, WY offers hair follicle testing with competitive pricing and swift turnaround times. The cost-effectiveness of these services, without compromising on quality, provides value for businesses of all sizes. Prompt results allow companies to make timely decisions, supported by accurate data, enhancing operational efficiency and promoting better resource management.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ethete, WY: Hair follicle drug tests in Ethete, WY offer unmatched precision and rapid results. The method's accuracy in identifying substance use ensures confidence in the results. Compared to other testing methods, hair tests provide immediate and reliable insights, thus allowing faster decision-making. This high level of accuracy makes hair testing a preferred choice for organizations seeking trustworthy outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ethete, WY: Opting for hair follicle testing helps Ethete, WY employers adhere strictly to drug-free workplace policies. It minimizes legal repercussions and enhances safety by offering verifiable, long-term drug use records. This proactive approach to substance monitoring fosters a secure work environment, ensuring both compliance and peace of mind for employers and their teams.