Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Makaha, HI

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a repository for alcohol and drug biomarkers by embedding them within the fibers of the forming hair strand. By gathering hair near the scalp, one can achieve an approximate detection period of up to 90 days for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair samples is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easily transportable.

A 1.5-inch segment containing nearly 200 hair strands (approximately equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample is recommended. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be utilized. 'Head hair' denotes exclusively scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' encompasses all other varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This step confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any pending data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening offers a cost-efficient means for excluding drug usage in most samples, court admission requires confirmation of positive screens. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

For samples indicating presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and prepped for Extraction. The Extraction phase retrieves drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation for any positive screen is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples undergo a wash prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests are capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests with shorter detection periods.
• Difficulty to cheat: Hair drug tests offer a higher degree of accuracy as they are difficult to evade.
• Provides historical data: They convey a drug use pattern over an extended period, rather than merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Approximately 5-7 days are needed for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Cost: Hair drug testing incurs higher expenses relative to alternative drug testing techniques.
• Variations in results: Variables such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth may influence the drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Despite common reference as "hair follicle tests," the procedure examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Individuals and organizations in Makaha, HI, find hair follicle testing superior to urine testing. Benefits include:

• Enhanced detection accuracy with a wider time frame.
• Increased reliability in identifying chronic drug use.

Compared to conventional urine tests, hair follicle testing provides conclusive results impervious to manipulation.

Extended Detection Window

In Makaha, HI, hair follicle testing is renowned for its vast detection window. It offers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history.

Advantages include:

• A detection period extending up to 90 days, which is unparalleled by other testing methods.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Makaha, HI, provides a robust, tamper-resistant method of drug testing.

This method dramatically lowers the likelihood of sample alteration, ensuring that results are trustworthy and credible.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

The convenience of our testing services in Makaha, HI, is unmatched, with numerous centers nationwide.

Even locally, clients can quickly and easily access reliable drug testing solutions without hassle.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Makaha, HI, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, eliminating privacy worries.

Customers can effortlessly order, undergo testing, and retrieve results, ensuring a smooth experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering fast and affordable services in Makaha, HI, we provide competitive pricing and prompt result turnaround.

Our pricing structures are designed to offer outstanding value to businesses of every size.