Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The perception of hair testing has evolved to recognize it as an effective mechanism for identifying substance use. Hair serves as a chronicled indicator of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of growing strands. When procured near the scalp, hair can yield approximately a three-month period of detection for various substances. The sampling process is straightforward, somewhat tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A strand segment measuring 1.5 inches taken from near the scalp, comprising around 200 strands (roughly resembling a #2 pencil's girth), typically weighs 100mg, which is optimal for analysis and verification. For tests involving EtG, additional substances, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for precision. In instances where scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab handling of drug testing results involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing phase where a sample is integrated into a lab's system. This step involves confirming the integrity of the sample's seal and shipment, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing any outstanding data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Though a cost-efficient approach for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screening result necessitates verification for legal acceptance. Samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should Screening yield a presumptive positive, additional hair from the initial sample undergoes Extraction preparation. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug testing.
To validate positive screening outcomes, Confirmation is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity undergo washing before Confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the procedure assesses the hair strand itself rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers distinctive advantages over traditional urine tests in Glenwood, IN. Superior detection capabilities and reliability make hair testing a more attractive option. While urine tests suffice for detecting recent drug use, hair tests excel in identifying longer-term substance use patterns, proving invaluable for employers with stringent policies.
Extended Detection Window: In Glenwood, IN, hair follicle testing has the benefit of identifying drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This long detection time offers employers a thorough view of an individual's substance use history, far beyond the typical window provided by urine tests.
The hair follicle drug testing method in Glenwood, IN is not only reliable but also tamper-resistant. Significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration, hair testing offers peace of mind due to its robust sample integrity, ensuring results that can be trusted.
Accredited Drug Testing boasts convenient nationwide testing locations, including local sites in Glenwood, IN. This network ensures that individuals and organizations can access quick and hassle-free testing services, removing geographic barriers and making compliance easier.
With Accredited Drug Testing in Glenwood, IN, the process is straightforward and confidential. Customers can order, undertake, and receive their hair follicle test results seamlessly, all while maintaining privacy and addressing any concerns about confidentiality and ease of use.
In Glenwood, IN, hair follicle testing from Accredited Drug Testing is both affordable and efficient. Providing competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, we deliver excellent value to organizations of various sizes, ensuring that quality doesn't come at an excessive cost.
When it comes to fast, accurate, and reliable drug testing, hair follicle tests in Glenwood, IN stand out. Precision and speed characterize these tests, enabling quick detection of substance use. Their high accuracy ensures that employers and other entities can trust the results provided, making hair follicle testing a preferred method.
For employers in Glenwood, IN, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, enhancing organizational safety. By choosing this testing method, employers can also reduce potential legal risks associated with drug use in the workplace, promoting a safer and more harmonious environment.
