Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective means for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken close to the scalp, hair can provide a detection window of up to approximately 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of about 200 hair strands, 1.5 inches long (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) taken near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, considered the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is recommended to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, the same quantity of body hair may be used. When speaking of head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to any other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with initially entering a sample into a laboratory’s system. This involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not provide.
Screening conducts an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. Screening offers a cost-effective approach to ruling out drug use on most samples, but a positive screen needs confirmation for court validity. Any Screening-positive samples require further confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than with other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any screen-positive result uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing offers a superior alternative to urine tests, especially in Bethany, IN. Hair tests not only demonstrate greater detection accuracy but also provide more reliable results. Traditional urine tests fall short in identifying drug use after short periods, often leading to missed detections.
Advantages of hair testing include less reliance on short-term presence of drugs in the system, ensuring that a far broader spectrum of substance use history can be unveiled. In contrast, urine tests may miss long-term use patterns, making them a less viable option for thorough screening initiatives.
Hair follicle testing boasts a remarkable ability to detect drug use over extended periods, up to 90 days. For employers in Bethany, IN, this means gaining a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, rather than merely capturing recent intake.
This extended detection window is crucial for employers focused on maintaining long-term, drug-free workplaces. Unlike urine testing, which primarily highlights short-term use, hair testing provides a full spectrum picture, invaluable for rigorous screening processes.
Hair follicle testing effectively minimizes the risk of sample tampering, providing dependable results in Bethany, IN. Unlike urine tests, which can be adulterated, hair tests offer a secure method that significantly reduces manipulation opportunities.
The technique involves a straightforward collection process, substantially reducing the possibility of sample interference. This reliability makes hair testing a preferred choice for employers seeking unquestionable results.
With nationwide testing centers including local sites in Bethany, IN, we offer unmatched convenience. Accessing our drug testing services is a straightforward, hassle-free process, designed to accommodate even the most demanding schedules.
By facilitating simplicity in testing, both individuals and companies can efficiently manage their testing needs. Our available locations streamline the logistical aspects of testing, guaranteeing prompt and effective service delivery across geographical regions.
Our process for ordering and receiving hair testing results in Bethany, IN is simple and confidential. We address privacy concerns with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring your data stays protected.
Clients can expect an easy-to-follow procedure from test initiation to delivery of results. Our professional approach ensures peace of mind for clients, safeguarding sensitive information while offering a minimal-stress experience.
Offering affordable pricing and rapid result turnaround, we provide substantial value for companies in Bethany, IN. Our pricing structures are competitive, ensuring businesses of all sizes can access top-tier testing services without breaking the budget.
Quick processing times further underscore our commitment to excellence, providing clients with the certainty that testing will not disrupt their operations. It's a balance of cost-effectiveness and efficiency that sets us apart.
Ensuring fast, accurate, and reliable results, hair follicle drug tests conducted in Bethany, IN stand out. The testing process is efficient, with rapid result turnaround times, and maintains high accuracy levels in detecting substance use over extended periods.
Once collected, hair samples undergo rigorous analysis, designed to pinpoint evidence of drug use with remarkable precision. This allows employers to make informed decisions with confidence based on trustworthy data, critical for maintaining drug-free work environments.
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Bethany, IN. Employers benefit from reduced legal risks and increased workplace safety, enhancing overall peace of mind.
The longer detection window of hair tests aids in consistent compliance engagements, supporting stringent workplace policies. This proactive approach to employee well-being and company integrity underpins a safer and more productive working environment.
