Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When gathered from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to 3 months for substances. It is straightforward to collect, not easily altered, and simple to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil in width) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a sample weight of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s balance to weigh the sample. If scalp hair cannot be used, an equivalent measure of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (like facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test outcome involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first phase where a sample is entered into the lab’s system. This step verifies that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data input absent in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening conducts an initial rapid drug test. While it provides a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be confirmed to stand in legal proceedings. All samples indicated as positive during Screening require additional confirmation.
For samples testing positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Positive screening results are confirmed using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples likely positive undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The whole testing process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocols and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the surface.
In Long Beach, IN, hair follicle testing triumphs over urine testing due to its superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection window, hair tests can identify substance use over an extended period, offering a more thorough overview of an individual’s drug history.
The reliability and precision of hair tests make them a favored option for employers. They provide an in-depth analysis that outperforms traditional urine tests, ensuring adherence to workplace safety standards.
Hair follicle testing in Long Beach, IN, offers a remarkable detection window, identifying drug use up to 90 days. This method grants employers an extensive perspective on an individual’s substance use history, surpassing the limitations of traditional tests.
Employers benefit from this prolonged monitoring capability, acquiring detailed insights into employee or applicant substance habits, ensuring informed hiring and management decisions.
The robustness of hair follicle tests in Long Beach, IN significantly decreases the likelihood of tampering, ensuring the integrity of the sample. This method provides employers with confidence in the credibility of the results, which are resistant to adulteration.
Through observed collection processes and the natural resistance of hair samples to manipulation, these tests stand as a dependable choice for accurate and trustworthy drug testing.
Our extensive network of testing centers, including those in Long Beach, IN, ensures easy accessibility for all. With nationwide presence, Accredited Drug Testing guarantees hassle-free services, meeting testing needs efficiently.
Locals appreciate the convenience of nearby facilities, simplifying the testing process for individuals and employers alike, fostering a seamless testing experience.
In Long Beach, IN, the hair follicle testing process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns effectively. Ordering and executing tests is straightforward, with results delivered discreetly.
This streamlined approach ensures peace of mind for those undergoing tests, emphasizing user-friendly procedures and the safeguarding of personal information at all stages.
Accredited Drug Testing in Long Beach, IN offers competitive pricing and expedited turnaround times, ensuring value for companies of varying sizes. Our affordable testing services do not compromise on quality or efficiency.
This combination of reasonable costs and fast processing times provides businesses with the assurance of quick and accurate results, supporting operational and safety needs seamlessly.
In Long Beach, IN, hair follicle drug tests provide swift and precise outcomes. These tests excel in pinpointing substance use, offering unparalleled accuracy and reliability in detection. Employers can depend on these results to ensure workplace safety and adherence to company policies.
The rapid analysis of hair samples allows for quick result dissemination, supporting timely decision-making for businesses. This efficiency aids in maintaining productive work environments without delays due to lengthy testing processes.
Employers in Long Beach, IN experience enhanced compliance and tranquility with hair follicle tests. This method reinforces adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal hazards and promoting a secure work environment.
By employing hair testing, businesses can assure consistent safety standards across their workforce, maintaining both company reputation and employee well-being.
