Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches of hair, comprising about 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for assessment and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab’s network. This phase ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data entry not completed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary examination for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective means to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be legally acceptable. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive at the Screening stage, further hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this stage, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to administer.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination itself evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Employers in Jamestown, IN, are turning towards hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy. Hair tests provide a more reliable analysis, covering longer time frames and eliminating the limitations of short detection windows, making it the preferred method for modern drug testing requirements.
Hair follicle testing in Jamestown, IN, offers a significant advantage with its extended detection window, capturing drug use history up to 90 days. This comprehensive view aids employers in assessing both prospective and current employees' substance histories, delivering detailed insights beyond the scope of shorter detection methods.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Jamestown, IN, ensures reliable results free from adulteration. This method reduces fraudulent practices common in alternative tests, providing trustworthy results that maintain the integrity of the drug testing process.
With conveniently located testing centers both nationwide and locally in Jamestown, IN, Accredited Drug Testing ensures access to efficient and hassle-free services. This network accessibility emphasizes ease of getting the required testing done swiftly, maintaining client convenience.
The drug testing process in Jamestown, IN, is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are streamlined for user privacy and efficiency, addressing any concerns about data security and ease of the overall procedure.
Accredited Drug Testing in Jamestown, IN, is committed to providing cost-effective pricing alongside fast turnaround times. This combination of affordability and quick results ensures excellent value for businesses, regardless of size, making drug testing services accessible to all.
In Jamestown, IN, hair follicle drug tests are synonymous with speed and precision. Known for their high accuracy levels, they deliver fast results. Detailing substance use with great accuracy ensures reliability, as these tests effectively track longer periods of drug use, setting a high benchmark for drug testing procedures.
For employers in Jamestown, IN, hair follicle testing ensures peace of mind and compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method significantly reduces legal risks while enhancing workplace safety, a critical aspect of maintaining a secure and productive work environment.
