Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilized as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing is now recognized for its efficacy. Hair captures biomarkers within its fibers, offering a detailed record of alcohol and drug intake over an extended period. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reflect a drug or alcohol consumption history of up to three months. The collection process is straightforward, presents challenges for tampering, and facilitates simple transportation.
To obtain an optimal sample for screening and confirmation, a 1.5-inch segment consisting of nearly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional testing, and panels exceeding 10, a collection of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to utilize a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen. In instances where scalp hair is insufficient, an identical quantity of body hair may be gathered. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Alternatively, body hair encompasses other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test procedure within a laboratory context consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In the first stage, Accessioning, the sample undergoes its initial incorporation into the laboratory's system. This step confirms that the sample was appropriately sealed and delivered, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any manual data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
The Screening phase serves as an initial rapid check for the presence of drugs. While this step is economically efficient for identifying the absence of drugs in most samples, a positive screen mandates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test positive in this stage must undergo secondary confirmation.
Presumptive positive samples obtained from the Screening stage require that additional hair be extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair samples at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a particularly challenging technique to execute.
To verify any positive findings from the Screening phase, Confirmation is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS tech. Necessary washing steps for samples are executed before Confirmation. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and accordance with ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the frequent term "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Bristol, IN is superior to traditional urine tests due to its higher detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which are limited in scope and time frame, hair tests provide an extended window of detection, capturing a more comprehensive view of substance use over time.
This method reduces the risk of cheating as the test is observed and the collection conducted under strict supervision. As a result, hair follicle tests provide more trustworthy outcomes, reinforcing the zero-tolerance policies of many employers and judicial bodies.
With hair follicle testing in Bristol, IN, employers benefit from an extended detection window that can trace drug use up to 90 days back. This comprehensive timeframe offers an insightful perspective on an individual's past substance history, making it a valuable tool for assessing applicants or employees.
Such an extended window surpasses the capabilities of urine tests, which detect only recent use. By examining a longer period, hair tests give employers a clearer understanding of an individual's behavior over time, aiding in informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Bristol, IN stands out as a method that's resistant to tampering, ensuring accurate and reliable results. The collection process is strictly observed, preventing any attempts at adulteration or switching samples, which is a greater risk in other forms of drug testing like urine.
This integrity in testing fortifies the trust stakeholders place in these results, supporting compliance and upholding the standards required by safety-conscious employers and legal entities using hair tests.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient nationwide locations, including facilities in Bristol, IN, ensuring seamless access to our services. With centers spread across various regions, we make it hassle-free for individuals and companies to arrange hair follicle drug tests promptly and efficiently.
Our extensive network means you can rely on us for timely and professional service, regardless of your location. This accessibility ensures that all clients receive the support they need with ease.
In Bristol, IN, our process for hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential, providing peace of mind to all participants. Ordering a test, collecting a sample, and receiving results are handled discreetly to ensure privacy.
Clients can trust in our efficient systems that prioritize their confidentiality and ease of use, addressing any concerns related to privacy and the integrity of the testing procedure.
Accredited Drug Testing in Bristol, IN, is proud to offer affordable pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Our competitive pricing structures ensure that businesses of all sizes receive excellent value for their investment.
Alongside cost-effectiveness, the rapid delivery of results means that companies can make timely decisions, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity. This balance of affordability and efficiency underscores our commitment to service excellence.
In Bristol, IN, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed, offering unmatched accuracy in identifying substance use. These tests deliver fast results, ensuring reliable insights for employers and individuals alike. By detecting substances with high accuracy, they minimize the risk of false negatives, providing an effective tool in the fight against drug abuse.
Hair tests also boast quick turnaround times, making them an ideal choice for those seeking timely, dependable answers. Their superior technology is designed to pick up traces of substances missed by other testing procedures, enhancing the overall reliability of drug testing.
In Bristol, IN, hair follicle testing offers employers compliance and peace of mind with workplace drug-free policies. By implementing these tests, businesses reduce legal risks, ensuring safety and maintaining the integrity of their workforce.
Adopting hair drug testing also enhances workplace safety by providing accurate and trustworthy results. This proactive approach safeguards the business environment against the repercussions of substance abuse.
