Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol intake. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand, offering a long-term record of alcohol and other substances. When hair is collected close to the scalp, it allows up to an approximately 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. The process is straightforward to execute, somewhat tricky to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair is acceptable. In referencing head hair, we are exclusively talking about scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential stages of laboratory drug test processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step involves checking the sample for proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data needed beyond what an electronic chain of custody system supplies.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening efficiently excludes drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court acceptance. Samples presumed positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair from the original sample is extracted for further analysis. During Extraction, drug substances are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screen results are validated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumed positive samples undergo a wash prior to confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory procedure is scrutinized following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, but the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Mount Etna, IN, offers significant advantages over traditional urine samples. Lengthier detection periods make hair tests superior in revealing drug use histories. Unlike urine tests, which are susceptible to tampering or dilution, hair testing provides an almost foolproof verification method, ensuring dependability. Employers favor these tests for their comprehensive insights and solid methods of detection.
In Mount Etna, IN, hair follicle testing serves as a powerful window into long-term drug usage, offering insights for up to 90 days. This extended detection capability equips employers to make informed, evidence-based decisions regarding employees or candidates. By unveiling substance histories beyond shorter-term tests, hair analyses stand as the gold standard in evaluating consistent sobriety and reliability over time.
Hair follicle tests in Mount Etna, IN, are remarkably tamper-resistant, offering unmatched stability in accuracy. This testing method largely prevents sample adulteration, ensuring results are both reliable and unquestionable. When conducting drug analyses, the certainty offered by hair exams overcomes the limitations faced by more traditional tests, securing certainty in both personal and professional contexts.
Our locations in Mount Etna, IN, form part of a broad network offering seamless testing access. Our widespread national presence ensures swift, efficient drug test services, allowing participants easy entry into the process. With local centers readily available, our testing operations guarantee convenience and optimal service speed, catering to the varied needs of our clientele without delay.
In Mount Etna, IN, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and secure, maintaining high levels of confidentiality. Ordering and partaking in tests is straightforward, and results are delivered with privacy as a paramount concern. Our clear, user-friendly process reassures participants, providing ease while keeping personal information protected and emphasizing simplicity every step of the way.
Our affordable pricing and swift turnaround times in Mount Etna, IN, give businesses exceptional value. We emphasize efficiency and cost-effectiveness, ensuring access to high-quality drug testing without financial strain. Companies, regardless of size, benefit from our competitive offerings, receiving timely results that support business continuity and meet professional demands swiftly.
In Mount Etna, IN, the efficiency and precision of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. Such tests provide swift, highly accurate results, enabling the early detection of substance use. Their superior reliability means that results are trustworthy and reflective of the individual’s drug history. With expedited processing, these tests have become a preferred choice for employers seeking dependable outcomes that support informed decision-making.
Employers in Mount Etna, IN, find renewed peace of mind and security with hair follicle testing. This testing supports compliance with workplace drug-free mandates, cuts down on legal risks, and fosters a safe, productive environment. By choosing hair analysis, organizations can rely on the consistency and accuracy of their drug testing protocol, reinforcing strict health and safety standards across operations.
