Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Howesville, IN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing now stands as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of drugs and alcohol, trapping biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can detect drugs and alcohol over a roughly three-month period. The collection process is straightforward, the risk of tampering is relatively low, and shipping is uncomplicated.

A 1.5-inch hair sample, roughly 200 strands in thickness (similar to a #2 pencil), closest to the scalp should weigh about 100mg, which is the ideal measurement for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for measuring. If scalp hair is unobtainable, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the sample’s initial integration into a lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample’s seal and shipping are intact, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any pending data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary test for substances of abuse. While cost-effective to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive result from Screening must be confirmed to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples testing presumptively positive require further confirmation.

For samples that test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drug extraction from hair occurs at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screen is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug tests track usage up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter timelines of urine tests.
• Resistance to tampering: Hair drug tests are challenging to cheat, providing more reliable results.
• Reveals historical patterns: It outlines drug use trends over time, not just recent occurrences.

Limitations:

• Incapable of identifying recent ingestion: A delay of 5-7 days is necessary for drug presence to become detectable in hair.
• Higher expenditure: Hair drug tests typically incur greater costs than other test types.
• Result discrepancies: Drug metabolite concentrations in hair can be influenced by hair color and individual's hair growth variations.

Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation is made on the hair strand, not on the scalp's hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Howesville, IN

• Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests offer enhanced detection accuracy and reliability.
• Hair testing is preferred for its superior detection window and challenge in tampering, unlike urine tests.
• The comprehensive nature of hair tests is favored by employers and professionals in various fields.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Howesville, IN

• Hair follicle testing can detect substance use over an extended period, often up to 90 days.
• This extended window offers a detailed view into an employee or applicant's past substance use.
• Employers benefit from better-informed staffing decisions with this broader detection range.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Howesville, IN

• Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the chance of sample adulteration, ensuring result integrity.
• This testing method provides consistent and reliable results under observed conditions.
• The test's design makes it challenging for individuals to alter or deceive results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Howesville, IN

• Nationwide centers make hair follicle testing easily accessible and hassle-free for everyone.
• Our local presence in Howesville, IN ensures you receive quick and convenient testing services.
• The availability of locations allows flexibility in scheduling and reducing wait times.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Howesville, IN

• The process for ordering, performing, and receiving test results is designed for simplicity and privacy.
• We prioritize confidentiality, ensuring sensitive information is kept secure.
• Effortless procedures cater to client ease and peace of mind from start to finish.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Howesville, IN

• Our competitive pricing structure offers great value to companies of all sizes.
• We provide quick result turnaround, aiding timely decision-making and planning.
• Cost-effective solutions ensure quality service without compromising on speed or accuracy.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Howesville, IN

• Hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and precise results, making them a top choice for substance use detection.
• These tests are not only quick but deliver highly reliable outcomes, ensuring confidence in the process.
• The accuracy of hair testing helps address concerns regarding false results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Howesville, IN

• Hair follicle testing supports adherence to workplace drug policies, bolstering safety and legal compliance.
• This method reduces the legal risks related to employee substance use.
• Employers enjoy peace of mind knowing their workplace remains a drug-free environment.

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