Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Huntingburg, IN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides an extended timeline for tracing alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers as the hair strand develops. When collected nearest to the scalp, hair can exhibit up to a 90-day detection window for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (akin in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional screening, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We advocate using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen's weight. If scalp hair is scarce, an equal quantity of body hair may be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The principal steps in analyzing a drug test result in the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning constitutes the preliminary integration of a sample into a laboratory’s workflow. This step includes ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry needs not addressed by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening includes a rapid initial evaluation for drugs of concern. While Screening provides a budget-friendly method for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

In cases where a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for further Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening versus other methodologies.

Confirmation of any positive result from screening is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a cleansing process before confirmation as needed. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can determine drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that offer a shorter detection period.
• Challenging to manipulate: Hair drug tests are hard to manipulate, enhancing the accuracy of the results.
• Provides usage history: It offers a consumption pattern over a duration of time rather than just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: It takes approximately 5-7 days before drugs become noticeable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs than other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual variations in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis centers on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Huntingburg, IN, surpasses traditional urine tests in various ways. One of the significant advantages is its superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests might offer short-term insights, hair tests provide a comprehensive drug use report over extended periods. This longer detection window is essential, making hair follicle tests a preferred choice among many organizations and professionals.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing conducted in Huntingburg, IN, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This capability allows employers to gain a deeper understanding of an individual’s substance use history. Unlike standard tests that provide only a short-term view, hair testing reveals a broader spectrum of drug use, offering invaluable information to employers seeking thorough background checks.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Huntingburg, IN, hair follicle tests present a tamper-resistant solution for drug screening. The design and procedure of these tests make it significantly challenging for individuals to alter or adulterate samples. With a focus on providing dependable outcomes, hair testing ensures trustworthy results that are resistant to manipulation, providing peace of mind to those relying on its assessments.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Across Huntingburg, IN, and nationwide, the convenience of local testing centers ensures accessibility and ease for all participants. Our comprehensive network of facilities makes scheduling and conducting tests simple, reducing delays and providing a seamless experience. With widespread coverage, securing drug testing services is more accessible, ensuring quick and hassle-free participation.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Huntingburg, IN, the process of hair follicle testing is designed to be both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, the procedure addresses privacy concerns and maintains ease of use. Participants can trust that their information remains secure throughout, fostering a testing environment that respects confidentiality at every step.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable pricing in Huntingburg, IN, combined with rapid turnaround times, marks our service as a valuable choice. Our competitive pricing structures ensure that companies of all sizes receive excellent service without breaking the bank. Quick and dependable results mean companies can proceed with crucial decisions, ensuring peace of mind and optimal value in every test.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Huntingburg, IN, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and swiftness. Offering highly accurate detection of substances, these tests guarantee rapid results without compromising on reliability. Through state-of-the-art methodologies, the testing process swiftly identifies any traces of drug use, ensuring that individuals receive prompt and accurate assessments of their substance history.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle testing brings compliance and reassurance to employers in Huntingburg, IN. Aligning with workplace drug-free policy standards, these tests help mitigate legal concerns while elevating safety within the workplace. Employers can rest assured, knowing that hair follicle testing assists in meeting regulation requirements effectively and without difficulty.

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