Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal approximately a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively tough to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This entails confirming that the sample was sealed and delivered correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical means to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though termed as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Advance, IN
The advantages of hair testing over traditional urine tests lie in its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests can detect long-term substance use, providing a more comprehensive view than the limited window offered by urine tests. This increased detection potential makes it an ideal choice for employers seeking to enforce strict drug policies.
Extended Detection Window in Advance, IN
Hair follicle testing shines with its ability to track drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days. This extensive detection window is crucial for employers, giving a detailed substance history of applicants or employees. Such long-term insight ensures a more robust screening process.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Advance, IN
Hair follicle testing drastically reduces the risk of sample adulteration, providing results that are both reliable and undeniable. It uses an observation-based collection method which makes it challenging for individuals to tamper with the sample, thus ensuring the integrity of the test.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Advance, IN
Our broad network of testing centers across the nation ensures that accessing testing services is quick and hassle-free. Even in Advance, IN, local testing facilities provide convenience, making sure there's always a center nearby to meet your needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Advance, IN
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving test results is straightforward and private. Each step is designed to ensure the confidentiality of all parties involved. This focus on privacy addresses common concerns and simplifies the overall experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Advance, IN
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times across all services deliver excellent value to companies of all sizes. This affordability, coupled with efficiency, makes our hair testing solutions an attractive option for many businesses.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Advance, IN
Hair follicle drug tests provide a swift and precise means of detecting substance use, offering high accuracy. The method ensures that results are returned efficiently without compromising reliability. This accuracy not only helps in maintaining a drug-free environment but also aids in making informed decisions quickly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Advance, IN
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, significantly lowering legal risks. The method enhances workplace safety and satisfies regulatory requirements, offering peace of mind.
