Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. By capturing specific biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair, it offers a prolonged timeline of such usage. When hair is gathered close to the scalp, it can reveal up to a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drug intake. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A well-suited sample consists of a 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (roughly the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, which equates to 100mg of hair — ideal for analysis in both screening and confirmation. For EtG assessments, additional tests, and those over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is preferable. It's advisable to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair not be available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair indicate scalp hair exclusively, while body hair refers to other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four fundamental phases in the laboratory analysis of a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is where the sample is initially integrated into the laboratory's system. This step confirms that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary examination for drugs. While Screening is a practical method to eliminate drug use for many samples, any positive findings must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening require further confirmation.
Samples with presumptive positive results in the Screening phase have additional hair taken from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is the most complex to conduct.
Confirmation of a positive screen result uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated following CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation standards and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cromwell, IN
Hair testing stands out for its ability to detect drug use far more reliably than urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Cromwell, IN
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests in detection duration, offering insights into drug use for up to 90 days.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cromwell, IN
By significantly reducing sample adulteration risks, hair follicle tests deliver reliable, unquestionable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cromwell, IN
With our extensive network of testing centers, we ensure convenient, accessible testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cromwell, IN
Our testing process is designed to be straightforward and private, addressing key concerns.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cromwell, IN
Our tests offer competitive pricing with a fast return on results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cromwell, IN
Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled accuracy in substance detection. Their precision ensures that employers receive dependable results quickly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cromwell, IN
Hair follicle testing aids in maintaining workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies.
