Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. If acquired near the scalp, hair can present about a 3-month timespan for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and mailing is uncomplicated.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, the perfect amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be obtained. Here, head hair refers only to scalp hair. Body hair comprises all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the preliminary integration of a specimen into a lab’s system. This step confirms the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, generates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient strategy to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive screening must be substantiated to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive require a follow-up confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower levels than with other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), illustrating why hair drug screening is the most intricate method to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods conduct the confirmation of any positive Screening outcomes. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory journey from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being labeled as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing thanks to its superior detection skills and reliability in Lamar, IN. Unlike urine tests, which have a short detection window, hair tests uncover drug use over months. With nearly no chance for manipulation, businesses recognize hair tests as the more credible option, ensuring a thorough check over conventional methodologies.
In Lamar, IN, hair follicle testing stands out for its extended detection window. Covering up to 90 days, it offers employers a detailed view into substance use history, surpassing traditional test methods. This time span allows businesses greater insight into an individual's past consumption patterns, thereby aiding informed decision-making processes.
Hair follicle drug tests in Lamar, IN, are virtually tamper-resistant, significantly minimizing the opportunity for sample adulteration. These tests present unequivocal results, leaving little room for interference, making it a trustworthy choice for those seeking reliable testing solutions in substance use monitoring.
With nationwide testing centers, including local options in Lamar, IN, Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient access to services. This widespread testing network facilitates swift, straightforward entry to necessary drug testing, enhancing the experience through ease and reducing logistical challenges for those in need.
In Lamar, IN, the testing process with Accredited Drug Testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, the procedure respects privacy concerns, ensuring a user-friendly experience. This seamless process addresses confidentiality while maintaining ease of use, providing peace of mind to individuals seeking testing services.
Offering affordable pricing and quick turnarounds, drug testing in Lamar, IN, presents great value to companies of all sizes. With competitive price points and fast delivery of results, businesses benefit from cost-effective solutions while ensuring the prompt acquisition of reliable testing outcomes.
The precision and timeliness of hair follicle drug tests in Lamar, IN, are remarkable. These tests provide fast, accurate results, ensuring high levels of detection integrity for substances. Offering swift and reliable outcomes, they fulfill the needs of those requiring rigorous substance use testing, surpassing other methods with their superior speed and accuracy.
In Lamar, IN, employers find compliance with drug-free policies strengthened through hair follicle testing. By reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, these tests not only meet policy requirements but also provide peace of mind to employers, assuring adherence to compliance standards and promoting a secured working environment.