Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair analysis has gained recognition as a strong method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing markers within the strands of hair as it grows, hair offers a lengthy timeline of alcohol and drug history. When collected near the scalp, it can provide a detection window for alcohol and other substances of up to about 90 days. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands—equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil—taken nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and validation. For EtG, extra tests, and/or panels beyond 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If head hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair may be used. The term head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to any other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary procedures in the lab processing of drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s database, ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for drugs. While it offers a cost-effective approach to dismiss drug use in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples testing presumptive positive in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Drugs are drawn from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex testing method.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is meticulously reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Tests in Franklin, IN Comparing the advantages of hair testing over traditional urine tests reveals its superior detection and reliability.
Prolonged Detection Window in Franklin, IN Hair follicle testing identifies drug use over a prolonged period, up to 90 days, providing employers with a detailed view of an individual's history.
Resistant to Tampering in Franklin, IN Hair follicle tests greatly lower the risk of tampering, securing trustworthy and definitive outcomes.
Convenient Testing Centers Across Franklin, IN Our nationwide network offers straightforward, stress-free access to testing services.
Easy and Confidential Process in Franklin, IN The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results is straightforward and private, addressing privacy and usability concerns.
Economical Pricing and Rapid Results in Franklin, IN Highlighting competitive pricing structures and quick result turnaround, offering exceptional value and assurance for businesses of all scales.
Swift and Accurate Outcomes in Franklin, IN Hair follicle drug screenings offer timely and precise results, showcasing their excellent accuracy in detecting substances.
Ensuring Compliance for Employers in Franklin, IN Implementing hair follicle testing assures adherence to drug-free policies, minimizing legal issues and elevating workplace safety.
