Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a long-term profile of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, the risk of tampering is relatively low, and shipping is convenient.
A 1.5-inch portion, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests covering more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's best to weigh the specimen with a jeweler's scale. If hair from the scalp is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically references scalp hair, whereas "body hair" denotes other types of hair (face, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for processing drug test results comprises four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab's system. This stage involves checking that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not already covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary rapid assessment for drug presence. Although Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to stand up in legal situations. Samples indicated as presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
For samples marked as potentially positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. In this step, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (like urine or oral fluids), which is why hair screening is considered the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually pertains to the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Angola, IN, hair follicle testing provides clear advantages over traditional urine tests. A primary benefit lies in its superior detection accuracy and reliability, surpassing urine tests in identifying substance use.
Hair testing can unearth long-term substance behaviors, offering a more comprehensive assessment. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are not easily deceived, making them a steadfast choice for accurate drug detection.
Hair follicle testing in Angola, IN offers an expansive detection window, identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This longevity allows employers to assess an individual's substance history thoroughly.
The extended window provides a detailed view of behavioral patterns, emphasizing its advantage over shorter-term tests like urine, enabling more informed employment and supervision decisions.
In Angola, IN, hair follicle testing stands out as a tamper-resistant method, significantly reducing the chance of adulteration. This testing process ensures the provision of reliable and unquestionable results.
The inherent difficulty in falsifying results with hair samples contributes to its status as a preferred testing method among those needing assured integrity in their substance testing practices.
With nationwide testing locations, including sites in Angola, IN, accessing drug testing services has never been more convenient. Quick and hassle-free testing processes increase accessibility for employers and individuals. Convenience in location and service availability ensures timely and efficient drug testing, meeting the immediate needs of all clients.
In Angola, IN, the hair follicle testing process is simple and discreet, addressing privacy concerns effectively. From ordering to receiving results, the process is designed to be straightforward and confidential.
The ease of use ensures individuals and companies alike can engage in the testing process without apprehension, fostering a seamless experience.
Our hair follicle testing services in Angola, IN offer competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, delivering excellent value for businesses, regardless of size. With a focus on affordability, companies benefit from high standards of service without incurring excessive costs, all while ensuring prompt results delivery.
Hair follicle drug testing in Angola, IN is synonymous with speed and precision. This method of testing excels at quickly determining substance use with an unparalleled level of accuracy, ensuring reliable results for all clients.
The swift analysis of hair samples minimizes waiting times while maintaining high standards of accuracy, offering peace of mind and prompt information for decision-making.
For employers in Angola, IN, hair follicle testing facilitates compliance with drug-free workplace policies, ensuring legal safety and a secure work environment.
This method of testing minimizes risks and protects both the company's and employees' interests by promoting a culture of accountability and safety.
