Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now viewed as a crucial method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended timeline of substance usage by encasing biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When the sample is taken near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use up to a span of three months. Hair samples are straightforward to obtain, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil), near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the hair specimen is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be substituted. "Head hair" refers only to scalp hair while "body hair" includes any other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for processing drug test outcomes consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary incorporation of a sample into the lab's system. This process verifies the sample's sealing and proper shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data input not available from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial, rapid assessment to check for substances of abuse. Although it is a cost-effective technique to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal acceptability. Samples that exhibit preliminary positive results during Screening require an additional confirmation step.
Should a sample register a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is extracted and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves drugs being extracted from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug tests the most technically challenging to execute.
Positive screening outcomes undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned appropriately prior to confirmation. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although known as "hair follicle tests," the procedure examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hope, IN
Hair follicle drug tests offer numerous benefits over traditional urine tests, mainly due to their superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a broader detection window, capturing substance usage over an extended period. This ensures a comprehensive overview of an individual's drug history, making it a preferred choice for employers seeking thorough testing.
Extended Detection Window in Hope, IN
One of the main advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extensive timeframe, up to 90 days. This capability provides employers with a thorough view of an employee's or applicant's history concerning substance use. Such a widespread detection window is essential for comprehensive assessments and ensures no recent use is overlooked.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hope, IN
Hair follicle tests are significantly more resistant to tampering or adulteration compared to other methods. This resistance ensures the results remain reliable and unquestionable, providing peace of mind to employers and increasing the integrity of the drug testing process. Such tamper-resistance is a crucial factor for entities seeking trustworthy results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hope, IN
Our extensive network of testing centers across the country, including local options in Hope, Indiana, offers unmatched convenience. This access ensures that testing services are quick and easy to reach, eliminating delays and enhancing efficiency for businesses and individuals alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hope, IN
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and maintains confidentiality. This simplicity addresses privacy concerns, ensuring individuals feel secure throughout the procedure. With an emphasis on ease of use, the process is designed to be hassle-free and user-friendly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hope, IN
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times make hair follicle testing an appealing option for businesses of all sizes. This affordability, combined with prompt results, offers excellent value, reassuring companies of all sizes seeking cost-effective and reliable testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hope, IN
Hair follicle drug tests stand out due to their swift and precise outcomes. By detecting substance use with high accuracy, these tests provide reliable insights. Results are typically fast-paced, ensuring employers have the necessary information timely. The precision of these tests aids in making informed decisions without the long wait times associated with other testing methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hope, IN
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and boosting workplace security. This method ensures company policies align with local and federal regulations, providing peace of mind that legal implications are minimized while upholding safety standards.
