Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the strands of hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection span of up to approximately 90 days for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred amount for screening and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair may be acquired. Regarding head hair, we mean exclusively scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in laboratory processing of a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample upon entry into a lab's system. It includes verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipment, allocating a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Screening offers a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use on most samples, but a positive screen must be verified to be court-admissible. Any samples testing presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
In instances where a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this process, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than those found in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive results from screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Within Hartford City, IN, hair follicle testing has become the gold standard over traditional urine tests due to its superior detection. Unlike urine tests, hair samples can detect substance use over a longer period, offering a stronger assurance of finding drug use. The convenience and expertise provided by hair screening services reinforce their standing in rigorous environments.
In Hartford City, IN, hair follicle testing is known for its extended detection period, monitoring substance use for up to 90 days. This allows employers and other entities to gain critical insights into a person's drug history. The ability to look at such an extended timeframe makes hair testing an invaluable tool for responsible and informed decision-making.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Hartford City, IN greatly mitigates the risk of sample tampering, offering peace of mind with results that are trustworthy and verifiable. This advanced method ensures that the integrity of the test is maintained, reducing the chance of cheating as compared to other testing methods like urine tests.
With convenient testing locations in Hartford City, IN and across the nation, accessing hair follicle testing services is both quick and effortless. The widespread network ensures that testing is accessible to all, facilitating smooth and convenient service for all involved parties without unnecessary delay.
The process for hair follicle testing in Hartford City, IN is straightforward and confidential, ensuring ease in ordering, conducting, and retrieving results. This approach addresses privacy concerns and simplifies the entire procedure, making it both user-friendly and respectful of individual sensitivities.
Affordable pricing structures and rapid turnaround times underline the value of hair follicle testing in Hartford City, IN. Companies of varying sizes benefit from competitive costs and expedited processing, offering tremendous value and reassuring expedience in confirming results for business-critical decisions.
Hair follicle drug tests in Hartford City, IN provide swift and reliable results, offering unparalleled accuracy. Their precision in identifying drug or alcohol use ensures businesses, courts, and other professionals can rely on tested results for integrity and effectiveness. Speed in processing these tests adds to their appeal, making them an excellent choice for timely decision-making.
Employers in Hartford City, IN find confidence in hair follicle testing as it supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal concerns and enhances safety in work environments by ensuring all employees adhere to set regulations. Thus, it fosters a culture of reliability and adherence to company standards.
