Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Considered a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing is highly valued. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance use by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. Hair obtained near the scalp can reveal up to a three-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It's beneficial to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent volume of body hair might be used. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, while body hair covers all other types (like facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage where a sample is introduced into the laboratory’s system. This process ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data not captured by digital chain of custody systems.
Screening provides an initial rapid test for drugs of concern. Although Screening is affordable and effectively excludes drug use in most specimens, confirmed positive results are necessary for legal proceedings. Samples with positive screening results must undergo further confirmation.
In cases of positive Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This process involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most complex methodologies.
Positive screening confirmations use GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS methods. Any presumptively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often mislabeled as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
Hair testing in Matthews, IN surpasses conventional urine tests in several ways. Primarily, hair assessments provide enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Their extended detection window and reduced vulnerability to tampering make hair tests a superior choice. Employers and legal professionals favor this advanced methodology for comprehensive, reliable evaluations.
Extended Detection Window
In Matthews, IN, hair follicle testing's ability to trace drug use for up to 90 days offers employers and organizations an extensive view of an individual's substance history. This long-term detection capability surpasses traditional testing methods, making it a valuable asset in ensuring a drug-free environment and informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests in Matthews, IN, significantly minimize the risk of sample tampering. Unlike other testing methods, the collection and testing processes ensure that results remain reliable and unchallengeable, providing peace of mind to employers and legal entities seeking trusted substance use evaluations.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
The accessibility of testing centers, including those in Matthews, IN, assures convenient, efficient, and stress-free testing service access. Nationwide coverage ensures that regardless of location, individuals and employers can swiftly utilize testing services when needed without hassle.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Matthews, IN, our hair follicle testing process promotes simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, our procedures ensure privacy and ease, addressing user concerns efficiently and guaranteeing peace of mind throughout the testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Our competitive pricing structure in Matthews, IN, coupled with rapid processing times, offers excellent value. Companies of all sizes can benefit from our affordable solutions, receiving results quickly without compromising on quality or peace of mind, making us a preferred choice.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Matthews, IN, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its remarkable precision and swift results. Unlike traditional methods, it assures users of its high accuracy in identifying substance use, making it an essential tool for employers and individuals seeking trustworthy outcomes. Its reliability is a cornerstone, offering insights with confidence.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Using hair follicle testing in Matthews, IN, guarantees adherence to workplace drug-free policies, lowering legal liabilities and enhancing safety standards. This compliance ensures that employers can maintain a secure and productive environment efficiently, reinforcing organizational reliability.
