Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month period for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 strands (roughly equal to the size of a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. We suggest measuring the sample weight using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is nonexistent, an equal quantity of body hair can be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial step of entering a sample into a lab's system. This process ensures that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening features an initial rapid review for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples presumed positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is presumed positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation in the Extraction stage. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence making hair drug assessment the most challenging technique to implement.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptively positive sample undergoes washing before Confirmation, as required. The full lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Edwardsport, IN, hair follicle testing offers advantages over traditional urine tests. Unparalleled detection accuracy makes hair tests a superior choice. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests provide an in-depth look at an individual's substance use without the typical hurdles of sample tampering. This reliability establishes hair testing as a preferred method.
Extended detection window is a key advantage of hair follicle testing in Edwardsport, IN. With the ability to identify drug use up to 90 days after consumption, this method gives an all-encompassing perspective of an individual’s substance history. Employers leverage this to gain a comprehensive picture of an applicant’s past and ensure workplace integrity.
Hair follicle testing in Edwardsport, IN, is tamper-resistant. The method significantly reduces the chances of adulteration, ensuring that results are reliable and trustworthy. This integrity in testing provides stakeholders with confidence in their decision-making process, knowing the results are indisputable.
Convenient testing locations across the nation, including Edwardsport, IN, make drug testing hassle-free. Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy access to services, minimizing time and effort for individuals and companies. With a presence in every city, testing becomes a seamless experience for all users.
In Edwardsport, IN, the process of hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step ensures privacy and ease. Concerns about confidentiality are addressed, making the procedure user-friendly, so individuals can proceed with confidence knowing their privacy is respected.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround in Edwardsport, IN, hair follicle testing presents excellent value. Competitive pricing structures ensure cost-effective solutions for organizations of all sizes while providing swift results. This combination of value and speed bolsters peace of mind for clients.
The precision of hair follicle drug testing in Edwardsport, IN is unmatched. Fast and accurate results make this method stand out in detecting substance use. Within just a few days, results are provided with high accuracy, unveiling any substance issues. This speed and reliability offer peace of mind for those needing quick answers for important decisions.
Employers in Edwardsport, IN, benefit from using hair follicle tests to ensure compliance and peace of mind. By adhering to drug-free workplace policies, they reduce legal risks and enhance safety. Hair tests provide a thorough and reliable method for maintaining a drug-free environment, fostering a secure and productive workplace.
