Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Identified as an effective method to reveal drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing has gained acceptance. Hair captures markers of alcohol and other drugs within the strands as they grow, offering a retrospective timeline. When taken near the scalp, these strands can yield a detection range spanning up to about three months for various substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to send off.
For optimal analysis, procuring a 1.5-inch snippet, roughly 200 strands in thickness (comparable to a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields an ideal 100mg sample. For EtG, additional tests, or panels beyond ten, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It's suggested to determine the specimen's weight using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be utilized. Here, head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other varieties (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
There are four fundamental stages in the lab analysis of drug testing: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the sample's initial handling into the laboratory system. This process involves confirming the sample's correct sealing and shipping, generating a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizing any supplementary data not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment to detect substance misuse. While Screening is cost-efficient in excluding drug use in most instances, only a corroborated positive is acceptable in legal settings. Samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening anticipate further validation.
For samples tentatively positive at the Screening phase, more hair is retrieved from the initial batch for the Extraction process. This phase involves isolating drugs from the hair at significantly lower levels than techniques like urine or oral fluid tests, highlighting the challenges of executing hair drug screenings.
To validate any positive findings from the screening, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS methodologies are employed for Confirmation. Presumptive positive specimens undergo a cleansing step if required before confirmation. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny in accordance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently mischaracterized as "hair follicle tests", this method actually scrutinizes the hair strand, not the underlying follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Testing in Livonia, IN
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests due to its extensive detection window and reliable results. Unlike urine tests that detect recent substance use, hair testing offers a longer detection period, showcasing a comprehensive view of an individual's drug history. This makes hair testing superior for employers aiming to maintain a drug-free workplace.
Extended Detection Window in Livonia, IN
What sets hair follicle testing apart is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This feature offers employers a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance history, allowing for informed decisions regarding employment and compliance with drug policies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Livonia, IN
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the possibility of sample tampering, delivering consistent and dependable results. This method ensures integrity and prevents adulteration, making it a trustworthy choice for organizations demanding reliable drug testing solutions.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Livonia, IN
Benefit from our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including locations in Livonia, IN, facilitating easy and convenient access to testing services. Our widespread availability ensures a smooth, effortless testing process for all.
Simple, Confidential Process in Livonia, IN
Our streamlined process ensures ease and confidentiality from ordering to receiving results. Focused on respecting privacy concerns, the process simplifies drug testing while safeguarding individuals' information, offering peace of mind to all stakeholders.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Livonia, IN
Our competitive pricing structures, paired with quick turnaround times, offer outstanding value to companies of all sizes. Achieve peace of mind knowing that you receive quality testing services efficiently and at a reasonable cost.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Livonia, IN
Hair follicle drug tests deliver precision and speed, ensuring accurate detection of substance use with a high degree of reliability. The method captures a wide range of substances, providing comprehensive results that facilitate informed decision-making for employers and judicial entities.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Livonia, IN
Employers using hair follicle testing can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and promoting a safer work environment. The method provides assurance and confidence in maintaining compliance with industry standards.
