Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has been recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection time frame of up to about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is simple, challenging to tamper with, and easily transported.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is perfect for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the hair sample. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be acquired. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a sample into a lab’s system initially. This contains the verification of the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes a preliminary inspection for substances of abuse. Though Screening provides an economical solution to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive finding must undergo confirmation to be legally defensible. Any specimens that return presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Presumptive positives from Screening lead to additional hair extraction from the original sample, followed by preparation for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair in considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mixersville, IN Hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine testing by offering an extended detection period for drug use, boosting accuracy and reliability. Its ability to identify substance use over several months provides a comprehensive picture, unlike urine tests that are limited to more recent use.
Extended Detection Window in Mixersville, IN Hair follicle testing boasts an impressive detection window of up to 90 days, allowing employers to gain insight into long-term substance habits of their employees. This comprehensive view aids in informed decision-making, fostering a safer work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mixersville, IN The integrity of hair follicle tests is unparalleled, significantly minimizing the likelihood of sample tampering. This reliability ensures trustworthy results, vital for maintaining fair and consistent policy management in various contexts.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Mixersville, IN Accredited Drug Testing offers a network of testing locations nationwide, simplifying the process for individuals and organizations. Our local centers in Mixersville, IN, guarantee accessibility, minimizing interruptions and delivering swift service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Mixersville, IN The hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and discreet. From ordering to results delivery, customer privacy remains paramount, ensuring peace of mind and satisfaction in utilizing our testing services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mixersville, IN Accredited Drug Testing balances competitive pricing with speedy test results, offering excellent value for organizations of any size. Our efficient process ensures rapid turnaround without compromising on quality, enabling prompt decision-making.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mixersville, IN Hair follicle drug testing provides rapid, dependable results, delivering precise data on substance usage. The testing method leverages advanced technology to ensure accuracy, empowering decision-makers with the confidence needed for important choices.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mixersville, IN Hair follicle testing supports strict adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks, and encouraging a safer atmosphere. Employers can rest assured with this testing method, strengthening workforce compliance and security.
