Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended historical account of substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shafts. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to an approximately three-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly comparable to a #2 pencil in size) adjacent to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample amount for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler's scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be taken. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing a drug test result involve four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory's system. This process confirms that the sample was properly sealed and transported, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid examination for commonly abused drugs. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to hold up in court. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to implement.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
When it comes to drug testing in Andrews, IN, hair follicle testing is superior to urine tests. The benefits of hair testing include greater accuracy and reliability, detecting long-term substance use effectively. Hair tests reveal a broader history of drug use, unlike urine tests that focus on recent consumption. This extended detection period ensures that employers make informed decisions based on thorough insights rather than immediate past usage.
Hair follicle testing in Andrews, IN offers a significant advantage with its extended detection window, which can trace drug use up to 90 days back. This comprehensive view allows employers to assess an individual's substance history over a longer period, thus making more informed hiring choices. Such an extended lookout provides an accurate assessment of habitual drug usage patterns, offering clarity absent in other testing methods.
The robustness of hair follicle testing in Andrews, IN lies in its tamper-resistant nature. This testing method greatly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring trustworthy and indisputable results. By utilizing hair samples, which are less susceptible to alteration compared to other methods, organizations can trust the integrity of the testing process and confidently depend on the results to shape their decisions.
With our convenient nationwide testing centers, including local options in Andrews, IN, accessing hair follicle testing services is simple. Quick, straightforward, and seamless, our locations guarantee hassle-free experiences for individuals and companies alike. The extensive network offers unparalleled accessibility, ensuring that wherever you are, reliable testing services are within easy reach when needed.
The process of hair follicle testing in Andrews, IN is remarkably straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to safeguard privacy while ensuring ease of use. Concerns about privacy and convenience are addressed comprehensively, with a transparent system ensuring that individuals can confidently navigate the testing process without any undue difficulties.
Hair follicle testing in Andrews, IN offers affordable pricing and quick result turnaround. Our competitive pricing structures ensure excellent value for companies of all sizes. Fast turnaround times further enhance the appeal, providing peace of mind by swiftly delivering results. This combination of affordability and speed allows organizations to efficiently manage testing needs without sacrificing quality or reliability.
Fast and accurate, hair follicle drug tests in Andrews, IN stand out for their precision. These tests provide a highly reliable method of detecting substance use. The time efficiency in obtaining results is unparalleled, offering quick insights into an individual's substance history. By employing advanced technology, hair tests accurately determine drug presence, giving organizations the confidence they need in their screening processes.
Employers in Andrews, IN gain substantial peace of mind from compliance through hair follicle testing. This method helps maintain adherence to drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing workplace environments. By ensuring compliance with established standards, businesses can foster safer workspaces, protect their reputations, and maintain employee trust—essential factors in achieving long-term organizational success.
