Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now widely recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the strands as they grow, offering an extended history of substance use. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. Its collection is straightforward, its tampering is challenging, and it is convenient to ship.
A sample length of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for initial analysis and validation. For EtG, additional substances, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equal quantity of body hair may be sourced. References to head hair pertain specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four principal stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with integrating a sample into the lab's system. This step confirms the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening involves an expedited review for drug abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient means to dismiss drug usage in most cases, any positive screen requires verification to stand in court. Samples yielding presumptively positive results during Screening demand a follow-up confirmation.
Should a Screening stage sample show presumptive positivity, more hair from the initial sample is selected and made ready for Extraction. During this phase, substances are drawn from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), signifying that hair drug screening represents the most complex technique to conduct.
Verification of any positive screening results is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair mark and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Marshall, IN, surpasses traditional urine tests in numerous ways. Its greatest advantage is its superior detection accuracy, effectively identifying substance use over a more extended period. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter window of detection, hair testing offers a more reliable overview of an individual's substance history, reducing the potential for false negatives and increasing the confidence in the test results.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing, up to 90 days, provides a comprehensive view of drug use history in Marshall, IN. This long-term detection capability allows employers to assess the ongoing habits of employees or applicants, ensuring they maintain a drug-free workplace. By capturing a broader timeframe, hair testing offers a more thorough understanding of an individual's substance use, which can be critical for making informed decisions.
In Marshall, IN, hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant method of drug detection, significantly reducing the chances of sample adulteration. This testing process is meticulously observed, leaving minimal opportunity for an individual to manipulate the results. By employing a method resistant to manipulation, hair testing provides employers and others needing substance verification with confidence in the reliability of the test outcomes.
With numerous nationwide testing centers, accessible locations including those in Marshall, IN, make hair follicle testing incredibly convenient. This widespread availability ensures that individuals and employers can access testing services efficiently and without hassle. Whether in need of a local testing facility or searching for options across the country, our comprehensive network provides an easy solution for drug testing needs.
The process for hair follicle testing in Marshall, IN, is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting the sample and receiving the results, each step protects privacy and ensures ease of use. Our streamlined procedures are designed to address any concerns of confidentiality, enabling individuals and employers to undertake and complete the testing process with complete confidence and assurance.
In Marshall, IN, our hair follicle testing services boast affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. Companies of all sizes appreciate the competitive rates and the rapid delivery of results, ensuring they receive excellent value. Our affordable testing options mean peace of mind is accessible for everyone, with the added benefit of receiving comprehensive results in a timely manner.
In Marshall, IN, hair follicle drug testing provides fast, accurate, and reliable results. By analyzing hair samples, this testing method achieves precise substance detection, ensuring that any drug use is promptly and effectively identified. With capabilities to detect even small traces of drugs, hair testing stands as a superior option for those seeking both speed and reliability in a drug testing solution.
Employers in Marshall, IN, find peace of mind and compliance through hair follicle testing. This method supports drug-free workplace policies, mitigates legal risks, and enhances safety. By integrating hair follicle testing into their policy enforcement, employers can ensure they meet regulatory compliance standards while fostering a safer work environment, thereby promoting overall company wellbeing and security.
