Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for determining drug and alcohol consumption. Hair fibers capture biomarkers over time, offering an extended history of substance intake. When sampled near the scalp, hair allows for a detection period of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair samples is straightforward, somewhat tamper-proof, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and verifying results. For EtG, additional screenings, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. It's beneficial to use a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent measure of body hair is acceptable. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The drug test processing in a lab consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves entering a sample into the lab's system, ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial drug abuse check. It provides a cost-efficient way to exclude drug use in many samples; however, any positive result from Screening must be validated for legal purposes. Presumptive positives identified in Screening require additional confirmation.
For samples identified as presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted and prepped for the Extraction phase. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), making hair drug analysis particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Washes of all presumptive positive samples occur before confirmation as required. The comprehensive process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The test is often termed a "hair follicle test," although it analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ingalls, IN
Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability over urine tests. While traditional urine analyses can miss recent drug use, hair follicle tests capture substance intake over a broader time span. This insight becomes invaluable for zero-tolerance policies and other stringent regulatory environments, delivering an exceptionally clear view of historical substance use compared to urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Ingalls, IN
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, identifying substance use for up to 90 days. This long-term perspective offers employers a detailed look into an individual's history of substance use. By analyzing the distal portion of hair, one can paint a comprehensive picture of an applicant or employee, ensuring businesses in Ingalls, IN, are well-informed about potential risks.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ingalls, IN
Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample adulteration. Thanks to an observed collection process and biological matrix stability, these tests offer reliable and irrefutable results. For those concerned about the possibility of tampered samples, hair testing provides peace of mind, ensuring the credibility of the results for decision-making in Ingalls.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ingalls, IN
With testing centers nationwide, including local facilities in Ingalls, IN, our services are conveniently accessible. This vast network ensures that individuals can access our services easily, minimizing hassle and saving time. Having readily available testing centers allows for quick and efficient testing processes, without lengthy waits or distant travel, providing great convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ingalls, IN
Our testing procedure is streamlined to ensure simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving the results are done with maximum privacy, addressing concerns over data protection and ease of use. The entire process is designed with user-friendliness in mind, ensuring that individuals in Ingalls experience a seamless testing journey from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ingalls, IN
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times make our hair follicle testing services accessible and valuable. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from this affordability, gaining peace of mind without straining budgets. Fast processing ensures that results are delivered promptly, enabling companies to continue operations smoothly and efficiently within Ingalls.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ingalls, IN
Hair follicle tests stand out due to their precision and speed in detecting substance use. This method offers higher accuracy compared to other testing methods, ensuring that results are both fast and reliable. Employers and individuals alike can trust the outcome of hair testing to provide a clear indication of substance use, delivering results rapidly, which aids in making informed decisions promptly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ingalls, IN
Employers will find hair follicle testing as a critical component in maintaining workplace drug policies. Ensuring compliance with these policies reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety. The extended detection timeline and reliable results help foster a secure workplace environment, offering peace of mind to both employers and employees within Ingalls, IN.
