Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a significant resource for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug consumption by trapping biomarkers within the hair strand fibers as they grow. Collected close to the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hairs (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp equates to 100mg, ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We recommend weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equal quantity of body hair can be collected. Head hair refers only to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in processing a drug test result in the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves entering a sample into a lab's system. This process verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial swift assessment for drug abuse. While Screening efficiently rules out drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be accepted in court. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is preliminarily positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the specimen to prep for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methodologies (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening results is through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive specimens are washed before confirmation if needed. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Grand Encampment, WY
Hair follicle testing offers more accurate and reliable results compared to traditional urine testing methods. The primary advantage lies in its extended detection window, capturing substance use history for up to 90 days. This surpasses urine tests, which are often limited to detecting recent use and can be more susceptible to manipulation and inconsistencies.
Extended Detection Window in Grand Encampment, WY
Hair follicle testing is capable of detecting drug use over a significantly extended period, typically up to 90 days. This offers a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history. Employers in Grand Encampment gain a detailed insight into the applicant or employee's long-term habits, aiding in more informed decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Grand Encampment, WY
Hair follicle tests are highly resistant to tampering, providing employers with trustworthy and unquestionable results. The collection process is observed, reducing the risk of adulteration that is more prevalent in urine tests. This makes hair testing the preferred choice for those seeking enhanced accuracy and reliability in their substance testing protocols.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Grand Encampment, WY
The availability of nationwide testing centers, including those locally in Grand Encampment, ensures quick and hassle-free access to testing services. This convenience facilitates easy scheduling and testing for individuals and companies, enhancing accessibility without compromising on quality or service efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process in Grand Encampment, WY
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. This ensures that individuals' privacy is safeguarded, making the experience stress-free and user-friendly. From start to finish, the procedures are designed to prioritize customer confidentiality and convenience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Grand Encampment, WY
We offer competitive pricing structures for hair follicle testing, ensuring affordability for businesses of all scales. Coupled with fast turnaround times, our services deliver excellent value, meeting employers' needs for prompt and accurate substance use detection, while keeping costs manageable.
In Grand Encampment, WY, hair follicle testing stands out due to its precision and speed. This method allows for high accuracy in detecting substance use, making it a preferred choice for individuals and organizations alike. The reliability of hair tests ensures that results are both accurate and obtained swiftly, enhancing the overall testing experience. This enables quick decision-making based on trustworthy data without any delay.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Grand Encampment, WY
Using hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks while promoting a safer work environment. Employers benefit from the peace of mind knowing that their testing practices are compliant and effective, maintaining integrity and safety throughout the workplace.
