Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. Hair collected near the scalp can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
Acquiring a sample of 1.5 inches made up of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and validation. For tests like EtG, advanced screenings, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is advisable. When scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. By 'head hair', we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for processing a drug test outcome includes four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's initial entry into a lab’s system, confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary test for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be court-admissible. Any samples that are initially positive in Screening require an additional confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening findings is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptively positive are washed before confirmation, as necessary. The entire lab 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: While frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Triumphs Over Urine Testing in Bicknell, IN
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing provides superior detection capabilities. The advantages include a broader detection window and higher reliability, offering a more definitive understanding of an individual's drug history. This improvement in accuracy makes hair testing a preferred choice in detecting substance abuse.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle drug tests in Bicknell, IN, provide a long-term look into an individual's past substance use—up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers to gain a more comprehensive view of potential or current employees' drug usage, ensuring informed hiring and personnel management decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bicknell, IN
The robustness of hair follicle testing significantly decreases the chance of sample tampering. This methodological strength leads to trustworthy results that are difficult to dispute, safeguarding your testing process against manipulation.
Convenient Testing Locations Nationwide and Locally in Bicknell, IN
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures that accessing drug testing services is both convenient and hassle-free. This nationwide reach guarantees that quick and efficient testing is accessible, easing the logistics for businesses and individuals alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bicknell, IN
The procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle drug test results is streamlined to ensure simplicity and privacy. Clients benefit from a discreet and user-friendly process, addressing privacy concerns and facilitating easy test completions.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bicknell, IN
Our cost-effective pricing model, paired with rapid turnaround times, offers exceptional value for businesses of various sizes. This ensures peace of mind by delivering prompt results at competitive rates, allowing companies to make timely and informed decisions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Tests in Bicknell, IN
Hair follicle testing offers unparalleled accuracy, detecting drug usage with precision and speed. This ability to quickly ascertain substance abuse makes it an invaluable tool for employers needing prompt results. The credibility and quick processing of hair tests are unrivaled, ensuring that your organization maintains a drug-free environment efficiently.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bicknell, IN
Employers using hair follicle testing can be assured of maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces potential legal challenges and enhances workplace safety by reliably identifying drug use among employees.
