Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By encasing biomarkers within the fibrous structure of hair, it offers a prolonged historical record of alcohol and drug intake. When sampled near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection timeframe of up to about 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Its collection is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hairs (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg, an optimal quantity for initial screening and subsequent confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a recommendation of 150mg of the specimen applies. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair mean scalp hair only, while body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for drug test analysis includes four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the preliminary stage where a sample is logged into the lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample’s seal and shipment are intact, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any necessary data entry not available from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs a swift preliminary analysis for substances of misuse. Despite its affordability as a means to exclude drug consumption in the majority of samples, a positive result in Screening must undergo further confirmation for legal validity. Samples that return a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a secondary verification.
If Screening suggests a positive outcome, additional hair is taken from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug analysis the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as required. The complete laboratory operation from Accessioning through Confirmation is monitored according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 quality standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
Buena Vista, IN favors hair follicle testing due to its superior detection accuracy and dependability. Unlike urine tests, hair testing provides a broader detection window, accurately identifying long-term drug usage. Employers value this precision as it enhances workforce safety and policy adherence.
Extended Detection Window
In Buena Vista, IN, hair follicle tests reveal drug usage over a lengthy period of up to 90 days. This extended window offers employers an insightful overview of an applicant or employee’s drug history. It gives confidence in assessments and helps maintain a drug-free workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Buena Vista, IN recognizes the resilience of hair follicle tests against tampering. The sophisticated testing approach diminishes the risk of adulteration, producing results that are both reliable and indisputable. This method delivers peace of mind to employers by ensuring transparent outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Residents in Buena Vista, IN benefit from Accredited Drug Testing’s extensive network of centers across the nation, ensuring seamless access to testing services. The ease and efficiency of these locations facilitate rapid and trouble-free testing processes for everyone.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Buena Vista, IN, the hair follicle testing process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, each step is streamlined and secure, addressing privacy and ease concerns for individuals undergoing testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround in Buena Vista, IN, hair follicle testing presents businesses with exceptional value. Our efficient service accommodates companies of all sizes, providing reassurance and stress-free drug testing management.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Buena Vista, IN, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and rapid results. The high accuracy levels achieved in detecting substance use make them a preferred choice over other testing methods. Accredited Testing Centers ensure each test is processed swiftly without compromising quality, offering confidence in the reliability of outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Buena Vista, IN, appreciate the assurance that hair follicle testing provides. By integrating this test into workplace policies, companies align with drug-free initiatives, minimizing legal risks while enhancing overall workplace safety and security.
