Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is widely regarded as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair acts as a historical record for substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Obtained from near the scalp, hair can reflect alcohol and drug usage for up to a three-month period. It is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment from about 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is recommended. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be taken. Note that head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, while body hair includes facial, axillary, and other types.
Overview of Procedure
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is formally registered in a lab's system, involving checks for proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary evaluation for drug presence. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. All samples testing presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples indicated as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. At this point, substances are isolated from the hair at much lower concentrations than other testing methods (like urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of performing hair drug tests.
Any confirmed positive result from the Screening process is verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive findings undergo washing prior to confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is validated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the testing procedure actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in DeMotte, IN, through better accuracy and reliability. The enhanced detection capabilities of hair tests allow for a more comprehensive assessment compared to urine tests. This method's superior accuracy ensures that drug presence is identified more conclusively, offering peace of mind to employers and legal authorities.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in DeMotte, IN, is a significant advantage, capturing drug use over a period of up to 90 days. This long detection period provides employers with an in-depth understanding of an applicant or employee's substance use history, enabling more informed and confident decision-making during the hiring process.
Hair follicle testing in DeMotte, IN, offers a tamper-resistant solution, significantly lowering the risk of sample adulteration. This method provides reliable and unquestionable results by ensuring a secure testing process that is resistant to manipulation, delivering trustworthy data for both employers and legal professionals.
In DeMotte, IN, and nationwide, our convenient testing locations facilitate quick, easy, and hassle-free access to hair follicle drug testing services. The extensive network of centers ensures that clients receive prompt and efficient testing without unnecessary delays, enhancing user experience and satisfaction.
The process for hair follicle testing in DeMotte, IN, is simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively. The straightforward procedure for ordering, testing, and receiving results ensures a smooth experience for users, prioritizing discretion and ease at every stage of the testing journey.
Offering affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in DeMotte, IN, provide excellent value. The competitive pricing structures cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring that businesses benefit from high-quality testing services without compromising budgetary considerations.
In DeMotte, IN, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. Unlike traditional methods, hair testing demonstrates superior precision in detecting substance use. This method ensures quick processing times and high reliability, making it a preferred choice for those seeking efficient drug testing solutions.
Hair follicle testing in DeMotte, IN, brings compliance and peace of mind to employers by supporting drug-free workplace policies. Adopting this method reduces legal liabilities and elevates workplace safety, ensuring that companies remain compliant with industry regulations while fostering a secure working environment.