Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives a lengthy history by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. A sample taken near the scalp can reveal substance use history spanning nearly three months. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair—optimal for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. Should scalp hair be insufficient, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing a drug test result encompass four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's framework. This encompasses ensuring the sample's seal and proper shipment, assigning it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic custody chain.
Screening involves a rapid preliminary drug usage assessment. It is an economical way to rule out drug usage for most samples, but a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal proceedings. Samples with a presumptive positive Screening result require further confirmation.
Presumptive positives in the Screening phase lead to more hair being extracted from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are separated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique.
Confirmed positive screen results undergo verification via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples showing presumptive positives are thoroughly washed prior to confirmation. The entire procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, complies with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Memphis, IN, the advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests are becoming increasingly clear. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy, uncovering substance use that may go unnoticed with urine analyses. With a non-intrusive collection method and longer detection period, the reliability and comprehensiveness of hair testing make it a preferred choice for those prioritizing accuracy and effective monitoring.
Hair follicle testing offers an unrivaled detection window, tracking substance use for up to 90 days. In Memphis, IN, this extensive time frame provides employers a detailed perspective on an applicant or employee’s past behaviors concerning substance use. This predictive insight helps in making informed decisions during recruitment and ongoing employment evaluations.
Memphis, IN, benefits from hair follicle tests' resilience against tampering. The integrity of hair samples ensures that the results are unquestionable and trustworthy. This method significantly diminishes the chances of adulteration, providing peace of mind for employers and other stakeholders relying on genuinely accurate substance use assessments.
The convenience of having nationwide testing facilities, including local centers in Memphis, IN, allows for easy access to services. These strategically placed locations ensure that individuals and businesses can perform necessary testing with minimal hassle, promoting a seamless and expedient process wherever you are situated.
In Memphis, IN, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to completing the test and receiving the results, every step is tailored to be seamless and discreet, addressing any privacy concerns. This ensures that your testing process remains both simple and private.
Memphis, IN, offers affordable pricing for hair follicle testing with quick turnaround times, making it a cost-effective option for businesses of all sizes. Our competitive price structures ensure excellent value, while the fast processing assures peace of mind and timely delivery of accurate test results.
The efficiency of hair follicle testing is evident when considering its swift and precise results. In Memphis, IN, these tests are known for their high accuracy, effectively identifying the presence of substances in the system. Speed and reliability are at the core of hair testing, ensuring both immediate and long-term insights into an individual’s substance use, making it a favorable choice for many organizations.
Employers in Memphis, IN, find solace in the compliance assurance that hair follicle testing provides. By employing this method, companies can effectively maintain their drug-free policies, mitigate legal liabilities, and preserve a secure workplace environment. This testing fosters a proactive stance in ensuring both safety and rule compliance.