Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilized as an effective approach, hair testing has become essential for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. By encapsulating biomarkers within the strands, hair strands offer a comprehensive history of drinking and drug usage. Hair samples taken near the scalp offer detection capabilities for about three months. Additionally, hair is straightforward to gather, relatively tough to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
To conduct screenings and confirmations, a 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, deemed an optimal amount. For EtG, additional tests, or more than 10-panel screenings, a 150mg specimen is suggested. We advise weighing the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair is an alternative. The term 'head hair' exclusively refers to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses any other hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation are the core steps in the laboratory handling of a drug test result.
Accessioning deals with initially logging a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes validating the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary, rapid examination for substances of abuse. Although cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, Screening necessitates confirmation of positive results for court admissibility. Samples that test potentially positive during Screening must undergo a confirmatory test.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, more hair from the initial sample is taken for Extraction. Here, substances are drawn out from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), presenting unique challenges specific to hair drug testing.
Conducting Confirmation for any positive screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Before Confirmation, any presumptive positive specimens are cleaned as required. The complete laboratory processing, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under the supervision of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often named "hair follicle tests", the examination actually parses the hair strands rather than the follicles beneath the scalp
In Country Squire Lakes, IN, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. With superior detection accuracy, hair tests provide more reliable outcomes. Their long detection period and resistance to tampering make them highly effective for comprehensive drug screening.
Hair follicle testing in Country Squire Lakes, IN, reveals drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This longer window gives employers a full view of an individual's drug history, aiding in informed decision-making regarding potential hires or current employees.
Conducting hair follicle tests in Country Squire Lakes, IN, significantly minimizes sample tampering risks. This method's reliability ensures unquestionable results, fostering trust in the testing outcomes for both employers and individuals.
With testing centers available throughout the nation, including Country Squire Lakes, IN, our services offer convenience and accessibility. This extensive network ensures quick and straightforward access to drug testing services, eliminating any hassle for clients.
The process for hair follicle testing in Country Squire Lakes, IN, is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the method addresses privacy concerns and ensures ease of use, making it appealing for all test-takers.
In Country Squire Lakes, IN, competitive pricing and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing not only affordable but valuable. Companies of all sizes benefit from these cost-effective solutions, ensuring quality testing without financial strain.
In Country Squire Lakes, IN, hair follicle drug tests are known for their fast and accurate results. The precision of these tests ensures high accuracy in detecting substance use. This efficiency not only speeds up the screening process but also delivers reliable outcomes for various stakeholders.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Country Squire Lakes, IN, assists employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, thus ensuring compliance and providing peace of mind for employers.
