Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is perceived as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair can retain a historical record of substance use by capturing specific markers within the strands as the hair grows. When collected from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is considered the optimal sample for both screening and verification purposes. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. It is recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. The term head hair refers strictly to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result broadly consists of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about the initial processing phase whereby a sample is introduced into the laboratory’s system. This step includes ensuring that the sample has been sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry not captured in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While it offers a cost-effective way to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive outcome from screening necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening must undergo further verification.
In cases of presumptive positive results during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at concentrations much lower than in other types of tests (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging process methodologically.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is undertaken using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited in line with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Monroe City, IN stands out due to its superior detection capabilities when compared to traditional urine tests. While urine tests may detect recent drug use, hair tests offer a prolonged detection period. This method is more reliable and can identify consistent substance use patterns, providing a thorough assessment that urine tests might miss.
One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing in Monroe City, IN is its ability to detect drug usage over an extensive period, typically up to 90 days. This extended detection window provides employers with a more comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance history, ensuring informed hiring decisions and workplace safety.
Hair follicle tests in Monroe City, IN provide a robust solution against sample tampering. Their method significantly lowers the chance of adulteration, ensuring results are both credible and irrefutable. This reliability in testing reinforces trust in the process, easing concerns over potential discrepancies or fraudulent test submissions.
With numerous testing sites across the nation, including Monroe City, IN, accessing hair follicle testing is both straightforward and convenient. These locations ensure that testing services are available promptly, minimizing hassle and providing an easy pathway for both organizations and individuals to secure reliable drug assessment services.
The hair follicle testing process in Monroe City, IN is simple and respects privacy. From ordering to sample collection and result retrieval, the process is seamless and confidential. This ensures that individuals and employers can handle drug testing with ease and discretion, maintaining confidentiality throughout the entire procedure.
In Monroe City, IN, hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and swift turnaround times. Companies of all sizes benefit from the value provided, balancing affordability with accuracy. The quick delivery of results ensures that decisions can be made faster, reinforcing the test's standing as a cost-effective solution.
In Monroe City, IN, the swift and precise results of hair follicle tests are unmatched. Their heightened accuracy in substance detection ensures confidence in results. Unlike traditional methods, hair testing not only delivers fast outcomes but also guarantees reliability, making it a preferred choice for both employers and individuals seeking comprehensive drug assessments.
For employers in Monroe City, IN, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This compliance reduces legal implications and enhances workplace safety. By implementing this reliable testing method, companies can maintain a transparent and safe working environment, granting peace of mind to both employers and employees alike.
