Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly acknowledged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended overview of drug and alcohol intake by encapsulating biomarkers within its fibers. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer around a 3-month detection window for substances. It's straightforward to collect, tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This covers ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any extra data input not included via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient technique to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive result must be verified to be valid in court. Samples provisionally positive in Screening need subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.
Every positive screening result undergoes Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Laketon, IN
Hair follicle testing offers enhanced detection capabilities compared to urine tests, demonstrating superior accuracy in identifying substance use over an extended period. Where urine tests might miss prolonged use, hair tests deliver a comprehensive picture, making them the preferred choice for organizations seeking reliable results.
Extended Detection Window in Laketon, IN
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests, up to 90 days, provides a thorough overview of an individual's substance use history, an advantage that urine tests lack. This capability is invaluable for employers seeking a detailed understanding of an applicant or employee's past drug use, ensuring informed hiring and management decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Laketon, IN
Hair follicle testing significantly decreases the risk of sample tampering, offering an observed collection process that makes it almost impossible to alter the results. This reliability ensures that the test outcomes remain uncompromised and trustworthy, a necessity for any organization relying on accurate drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Laketon, IN
Our extensive network of nationwide and local testing centers offers convenience and accessibility for individuals and organizations alike. This ensures quick and hassle-free access to hair follicle drug testing services, making it easy to maintain compliance and meet testing needs promptly and efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Laketon, IN
The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and respects individual privacy. The ordering, testing, and result delivery phases are streamlined to prioritize confidentiality, addressing any concerns about privacy while maintaining ease of use, which is essential for employers and individuals alike.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Laketon, IN
Our competitive pricing structures coupled with fast turnaround times provide excellent value for companies of all sizes. These efficiencies ensure that businesses receive critical testing information quickly and at an affordable rate, supporting their operational needs without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Laketon, IN
Hair follicle drug testing delivers highly accurate and quick results, allowing organizations to make prompt and informed decisions. This method's capacity to detect a wide range of substances with precision ensures that employers receive reliable information regarding an individual's substance use. The speed and dependability of hair tests offer a significant advantage over other testing methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Laketon, IN
Utilizing hair follicle tests helps employers comply with workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing overall safety. It ensures that organizations maintain a stringent and reliable approach to substance testing, allowing them to operate with confidence and ensuring peace of mind.
