Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as an effective method, hair testing is a robust approach for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair strands capture long-term consumption markers, embedding them within the hair as it grows. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can reveal the presence of alcohol and drugs for up to a three-month period. This procedure is straightforward to perform, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirming use. For EtG tests or panels exceeding 10 drugs, 150mg of hair is preferable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing samples is suggested. If no scalp hair is available, equivalent body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain to scalp hair only, while body hair encompasses other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test outcomes comprises four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample undergoes initial processing into the lab’s system. Tasks include confirming the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and handling any additional entry that an electronic chain of custody system doesn’t cover.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Despite being cost-effective and ruling out drug usage in most cases, a positive screen requires confirmation for court acceptability. Any presumptive positives detected during Screening need a secondary confirmation.
Where Screening indicates presumptive positivity, additional hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug screening as particularly challenging.
Confirmation for any positive screening is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleaned as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often named "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the hair strand and not the beneath-the-scalp follicle.
Hair follicle testing in Alpine, IN offers distinct advantages over urine tests. The unparalleled detection accuracy makes it a preferred choice, providing credible insights into an individual's substance use.
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair testing excels in detection reliability. This superior method ensures that drug use over a prolonged period is accurately identified, offering peace of mind.
Employers in Alpine, IN benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle tests. This method reveals drug usage over up to 90 days, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of a candidate's or employee's history.
Hair testing's ability to trace substance use over an extended timeframe is invaluable for thorough monitoring, offering a detailed overview of one's drug history.
The hair follicle test method in Alpine, IN significantly minimizes sample adulteration risk. This tamper-resistant approach ensures that results are credible and unassailable, bolstering the integrity of the testing process.
By virtually eliminating the chance of tampered samples, hair follicle testing delivers reliable results indispensable for accurate drug detection.
In Alpine, IN, our nationwide and local testing centers offer convenience and accessibility. Quick access to these services ensures a hassle-free experience, making it easy for individuals and organizations to meet their testing needs.
Thanks to our wide-reaching network of testing locations, clients can enjoy seamless service, benefiting from efficient and comprehensive drug testing options.
Our process in Alpine, IN is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, individuals can trust in the privacy and ease of our procedures, ensuring a worry-free experience from start to end.
Ensuring privacy and simplicity, our service supports clients with straightforward processes, addressing all concerns regarding confidentiality and convenience.
Affordable pricing and quick turnaround times make our services in Alpine, IN ideal for businesses of all sizes. Our competitive rates and expeditious processing provide great value, ensuring peace of mind for all involved.
Our pricing structure delivers exceptional value, supported by our commitment to fast results. Companies benefit from reliable and cost-effective drug testing solutions, enhancing their operational efficiency.
In Alpine, IN, hair follicle tests ensure swift and precise results. Their high level of accuracy in identifying substance use makes them stand out. This procedure not only expedites the testing process but provides dependable insights into an individual's history.
The precision of hair follicle tests in Appalachian drug detection is unmatched. Our facilities guarantee timely and accurate results, making the process efficient and straightforward.
For employers in Alpine, IN, hair follicle tests guarantee compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and promotes a secure work environment through reliable detection practices.
Using hair follicle testing helps adhere to substance policies, ensuring peace of mind and enhancing workplace safety, thus diminishing the threat of potential legal challenges.