Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers in its growing fibers. When sourced near the scalp, hair samples can reveal usage over a timeframe of up to approximately three months. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the preferred sample amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is integrated into the laboratory’s system. This involves verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves conducting an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient way to detect drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-acceptable. All samples that test potential positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any initial positive screening finding is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test potential positive undergo a washing step before confirmation if needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often described as "hair follicle tests," these tests actually assess the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Montmorenci, IN
Hair follicle tests offer multiple advantages over traditional urine tests, primarily through their superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests cover recent use, hair testing chronicles drug consumption over an extended timeframe, thus delivering a broader picture of an individual's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Montmorenci, IN
With the ability to uncover drug use up to 90 days prior, hair follicle testing grants employers a comprehensive overview of an applicant or employee's substance usage. This extended timeframe makes hair testing especially useful for assessing long-term behavior patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Montmorenci, IN
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing is its resilience against tampering. This method ensures that collected samples remain pristine and unaltered, offering unquestionable results that employers and institutions can rely on.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Montmorenci, IN
Our nationwide and local testing centers provide unparalleled convenience. With quick and easy access to a wide range of testing services, individuals and employers can avail of our hassle-free services without needless delay.
Simple, Confidential Process in Montmorenci, IN
Our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and respects privacy. The confidential nature of ordering, completing, and receiving test results means concerns about data security and access are effectively addressed, ensuring ease of mind for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Montmorenci, IN
With competitive pricing and rapid result reporting; our hair follicle testing services are designed to provide excellent value. We emphasize affordability and efficiency, which translates into peace of mind for businesses of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Montmorenci, IN
Hair follicle drug tests are a model of precision and swift operation. Due to their accuracy in identifying substance use, they stand out as a dependable method for both individual and employer peace of mind. This testing technique ensures that results are not only fast and accurate but also hold a high standard of reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Montmorenci, IN
By taking advantage of hair follicle testing, employers can ensure strict adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This approach not only mitigates potential legal implications but also enhances overall workplace safety and peace of mind.
