Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as a highly effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair contains a lasting record of such substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands' fibers as hair grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection range of roughly 3 months for both alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, tampering is relatively hard, and it can be easily sent.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional components, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample is advised. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing for a drug test result involves four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about the initial handling of a sample in a lab’s system. This includes checking if the sample is properly sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although it is a cost-effective manner to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result in Screening must be confirmed to be validated in a legal setting. Any samples testing presumptively positive in Screening need a corroborative confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening as the hardest method to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screening is performed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed if necessary. The entire process, covering from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing proves superior to urine testing in Collegeville, IN due to its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can identify drug use over long durations, ensuring precise results and minimizing the chance of false negatives.
In Collegeville, IN, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, tracing drug use up to 90 days prior. This feature offers employers a comprehensive overview of an applicant or employee's substance use history, enabling informed hiring decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Collegeville, IN, are a tamper-resistant testing method, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This method ensures reliable, unquestionable results, maintaining integrity in drug testing procedures.
Our convenient nationwide testing locations, including those in Collegeville, IN, provide quick, hassle-free access to testing services. This widespread availability ensures no matter where you are, a testing center is within reach.
The testing process is simple and confidential in Collegeville, IN. Ordering, attending, and receiving results maintain privacy and ease. Our streamlined procedure addresses privacy concerns, ensuring a smooth experience.
In Collegeville, IN, we offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround on drug tests. Our pricing structures are competitive, and the quick result delivery provides exceptional value, giving companies of all sizes peace of mind.
Hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results in Collegeville, IN. These tests are known for their precision, quickly identifying substance use with high accuracy. Their capability to detect drug use over extended periods makes them highly reliable for thorough assessments.
Employers in Collegeville, IN, gain compliance and peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle testing. It aligns with workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks and fostering a safer work environment.
