Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The practice of using hair analysis as a means for drug and alcohol detection has become increasingly recognized due to its effectiveness. Hair stores a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug consumption by incorporating biomarkers within the hair strands as they grow. When samples are cut near the scalp, they can offer an approximate detection period of three months for substances like alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easily collected, difficult to modify, and can be transported without much hassle.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing approximately 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil), closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It is advised to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair specifically indicate scalp hair. Body hair alludes to any other types of hair (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four fundamental stages in processing a drug test result in a laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a sample in a laboratory's framework. This process entails verifying the sample's integrity in terms of its sealing and transportation, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any manual data entries that an electronic chain of custody system may lack.
Screening refers to an initial, rapid test to identify drugs of concern. While this step is economically efficient for eliminating drug use in most samples, any positive findings from Screening necessitate corroboration for legal proceedings. Samples tentatively positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
In instances where Screening indicates a potential positive result, additional hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair in concentrations notably lower than those found in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug testing as a complex methodology.
The Confirmation step for any positive from screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples identified as presumptively positive undergo washing prior to confirmation if required. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Reminder: Although sometimes called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Columbus, IN, hair follicle testing has emerged as a superior method compared to traditional urine tests. The precision with which hair testing identifies substance use surpasses that of urine testing. Its ability to detect a wide range of substances ensures a broader and more accurate diagnosis.
Hair follicle tests prove especially beneficial due to their resistance to interference. Unlike urine tests, which can be easily manipulated, hair tests provide consistent and reliable data. As a result, organizations can trust the results to enforce their zero-tolerance policies effectively.
Hair follicle testing in Columbus, IN, provides an extended look into an individual's substance history, with a detection window of up to 90 days. This prolonged period surpasses most standard testing methods, giving employers comprehensive insights into potential substance abuse habits.
This lengthy detection window is invaluable for employers aiming to ensure workplace safety. By evaluating an individual's long-term substance use, businesses can better assess the candidate's suitability for employment, promoting a substance-free environment.
Columbus, IN, witnesses the effectiveness of hair follicle tests in eliminating tampering risks. Unlike traditional testing methods, hair samples are challenging to alter, ensuring results are authentic and trustworthy.
Employers can rest easy knowing the integrity of their testing procedures is maintained. The inherent resistance of hair testing to manipulation minimizes the probability of sample adulteration, reinforcing the reliability of the results obtained.
Testing for drugs and alcohol becomes convenient in Columbus, IN, thanks to our Nationwide and local testing centers. These facilities ensure that individuals and employers have easy access to the necessary analyses, enhancing service efficiency and accessibility.
Our strategic placement of testing locations enables communities to access testing services without hassle. The availability of local centers minimizes travel time, making the process quick and straightforward, meeting the needs of busy schedules.
In Columbus, IN, our drug testing procedures prioritize simplicity and confidentiality. Clients can order tests easily, participate without complications, and receive results securely, ensuring personal privacy is protected.
The straightforward approach alleviates concerns surrounding the testing experience. By maintaining confidentiality and clarity throughout the process, we address potential privacy issues, offering peace of mind to all participants.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times are hallmarks of our drug testing services in Columbus, IN. Our affordable rates combined with rapid results ensure exceptional value for organizations regardless of size.
Companies benefit from our efficient services, seeing valuable savings without compromising on quality. The swift processing of results also means less downtime, allowing businesses to proceed with confidence and assurance.
When it comes to rapid and precise substance testing, hair follicle drug tests in Columbus, IN, stand out. Their ability to swiftly and accurately detect substance use ensures dependable outcomes. The specificity of these tests goes beyond typical methods, offering a precise picture of an individual's substance history.
Employers in Columbus benefit from the consistent accuracy of hair follicle tests. The advanced technology employed guarantees minute details are captured, removing any doubt about substance use. This reliability in testing translates to better informed employment decisions, ensuring a safer workplace.
Employers in Columbus, IN, are assured compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method ensures alignment with drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing legal liabilities associated with non-compliance.
By utilizing hair tests, companies strengthen their commitment to maintaining a safe work environment. The thorough nature of these tests helps deter substance abuse, promoting a culture of accountability and safety.
