Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. Hair collected near the scalp can offer a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and various drugs. It is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be acquired. When discussing head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning phase involves the initial incorporation of a sample within a lab’s system. This process confirms that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, allocates a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and incorporates any supplementary data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial, rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While it is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates verification to be legally valid. Any samples conceivably positive in Screening require a secondary verification.
If a sample appears positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are drawn out from the hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most complex procedure to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All possible positive samples are cleansed before verification as necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Greensburg, IN — Hair testing offers distinct advantages over urine tests, with a broader detection window providing clearer evidence of past substance use. Its superior accuracy and reliability make it a preferred method, eliminating the uncertainties that can accompany traditional urine tests, thus ensuring enhanced screening effectiveness for employers and organizations.
Extended Detection Window in Greensburg, IN — Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, reaching back up to 90 days, which is instrumental for employers seeking comprehensive substance use histories of their employees or applicants. This prolonged detection ability offers a fuller understanding of a person’s drug use habits, in contrast to more limited alternatives.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Greensburg, IN — Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering, offering outcomes that are dependable and beyond question. This method drastically reduces opportunities for adulteration, thus providing trustworthy results that stakeholders can rely on, making it a preferred choice for secure drug screening.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Greensburg, IN — Our expansive network of testing centers across the nation, including local venues, ensures that clients receive convenient, swift service without the hassle. This widespread availability makes accessing essential testing both simple and efficient for our clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Greensburg, IN — Our hair follicle testing service is designed to be straightforward and discreet. From ordering the test to obtaining results, the process safeguards privacy and emphasizes ease, allowing individuals and organizations to benefit from secure, user-friendly testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Greensburg, IN — Our competitive pricing and prompt turnaround times deliver exceptional value for businesses regardless of their size. These features reaffirm our commitment to offering accessible, timely, and cost-effective drug testing services that meet our clients' needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Greensburg, IN — Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and precision, offering detailed analysis that ensures their accuracy in detecting substance use. The process efficiently identifies whether drugs have been used, delivering reliable results that stakeholders can trust. These advantages mark a significant edge over more traditional methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Greensburg, IN — Utilizing hair follicle testing assists employers in maintaining strict compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This process minimizes potential legal risks and furthers the safety of the work environment, offering peace of mind for both management and employees.
