Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting substance use. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields approximately 100mg of hair, the ideal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We recommend using a jeweler's scale to verify the specimen weight. If scalp hair cannot be sourced, an equivalent amount of body hair may be obtained. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test consists of four fundamental steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails integrating a sample into a lab's system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any required data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary verification for substances of abuse. Although it offers a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that show a presumptive positive result in Screening require additional confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, further hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at concentrations lower than those found in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underpinning the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Any presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair proficiency and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests" being commonly used, the analysis focuses on the hair shaft, not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Newport, IN
The superiority of hair follicle testing over urine assessments is evident in its efficiency and extended detection capability. While urine tests may offer immediate insight into recent drug use, hair tests reveal a broader history, making them more reliable for comprehensive evaluations. In policies requiring stringent checks, hair testing offers unmatched accuracy and dependability.
Extended Detection Window in Newport, IN
Hair follicle testing offers an expansive detection period, up to 90 days, which surpasses other testing methods. This enhanced timeframe allows employers to obtain a holistic view of an individual's substance use history. This extended window of detection is critical for understanding long-term substance habits, ensuring better-informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Newport, IN
Hair follicle drug tests are inherently resistant to manipulation, providing test results you can trust. Unlike other methods that may fall victim to adulteration attempts, hair testing offers a reliable, tamper-proof solution. This robustness gives employers and authorities unwavering confidence in the accuracy of test findings, safeguarding against false negatives or misleading conclusions.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Newport, IN
Our expansive network of testing sites ensures that getting a hair follicle test is both quick and straightforward. Whether in Newport, IN, or elsewhere, our centers provide a seamless, hassle-free experience. This nationwide coverage means testing services are accessible and convenient for individuals needing fast intervention and reliable results.
Simple, Confidential Process in Newport, IN
The process for hair follicle drug testing is straightforward and keeps privacy as a top priority. Ordering, conducting, and receiving your results is engineered to be simple and discreet. This guarantees that clients' confidentiality concerns are prioritized alongside processing efficiency, providing a comfortable testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Newport, IN
Our pricing for hair follicle testing is designed to be competitive, ensuring value without sacrificing quality. Combined with our quick turnaround times for test results, we cater not only to companies of various sizes but also to individual needs, providing a cost-effective solution that offers superior assurance and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Newport, IN
The hair follicle drug test is renowned for its speed and accuracy. When reliability is a top concern, these tests provide rapid yet precise results. Unlike other methods, hair testing yields high accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring that employers and individuals get dependable outcomes in a timely manner. The promptness in obtaining results aids in quick decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Newport, IN
Implementing hair follicle testing within workplace drug policies ensures compliance with drug-free mandates. It reduces legal exposure and bolsters a safe working environment. By opting for this method, employers not only meet regulatory standards but also promote a culture of safety and reliability, enhancing peace of mind across the organization.