Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. If collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeline for alcohol and drugs extending up to roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to falsify, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG and additional tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it solely refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary quick examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
In cases where a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at markedly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is among the most complex methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before proceeding with confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is under thorough review, adhering to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle and traditional urine tests in New Castle, IN, hair testing emerges as superior due to greater detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests can reveal drug use patterns over an extended period, unfazed by fleeting detections typical of urine tests. This makes them invaluable for employers seeking a comprehensive assessment.
In New Castle, IN, the most distinguished feature of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. With the ability to trace drug usage over a 90-day span, it provides a thorough review of an individual's substance history, giving employers a broader understanding of potential risks when making hiring or retention decisions.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in New Castle, IN, significantly diminishes the likelihood of sample adulteration. This robust testing approach ensures results are accurate and reliable, protecting against manipulation that may occur in other testing methods, maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Accessing drug testing services is seamless with our nationwide and local testing centers in New Castle, IN. Offering convenience and efficiency, these centers facilitate quick and hassle-free testing for individuals and organizations alike, underscoring our commitment to providing accessible testing solutions.
The process for hair follicle testing in New Castle, IN is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, our streamlined procedure ensures privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns regarding data protection and maintaining user confidentiality throughout the process.
In New Castle, IN, our hair follicle testing services emphasize affordable pricing and fast turnaround. Our competitive pricing structures, coupled with quick result delivery, offer exceptional value, making it a sensible choice for businesses of all sizes seeking efficient and budget-friendly testing options.
In New Castle, IN, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests boast high precision in detecting substance use, ensuring that employers and other stakeholders receive dependable information. The methodical approach of hair testing facilitates efficient identification of drug traces, making it an indispensable tool for rigorous drug detection.
In New Castle, IN, utilizing hair follicle testing secures compliance and peace of mind for employers. By aligning with workplace drug-free policies, it helps minimize legal risks and fortifies workplace safety, providing employers with assurance in maintaining a trustworthy and secure environment.
