Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected from near the scalp, hair can reveal up to an estimated 3-month window for alcohol and other drugs detection. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximating a #2 pencil size) close to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We suggest weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair may be gathered. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result features four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary quick assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient means to negate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be legally acceptable. Samples presumed positive in Screening do require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to implement.
To confirm any positive screening result, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS is utilized. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation if needed. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation observes both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In North Crows Nest, IN, hair follicle testing is superior to urine testing. Hair testing is far more intricate and yields enhanced detection accuracy. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests boast a comprehensive analysis of substance use, ensuring reliability and reducing false negatives.
The extended detection window is a standout feature of hair follicle testing in North Crows Nest, IN. By capturing data up to 90 days, this method provides employers with a detailed account of substance use, surpassing the limited timeframe of other testing avenues.
Hair follicle tests in North Crows Nest, IN, are known for their tamper-resistant nature. The integrity of the sample is preserved, and the chances of adulteration are minimized, assuring the testing's credibility and dependability.
In North Crows Nest, IN, the accessibility of convenient nationwide testing locations is paramount. The presence of numerous testing facilities allows for a streamlined and trouble-free experience for individuals needing prompt testing services.
With a focus on user-friendliness, the process in North Crows Nest, IN, remains simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, each step prioritizes privacy, ensuring that each participant's information is secure and the procedure is easy to navigate.
Affordability is a key factor for hair follicle testing in North Crows Nest, IN. With affordable pricing and fast turnaround, companies of all sizes can take advantage of a cost-effective approach, ensuring rapid results without compromising on quality.
Hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results in North Crows Nest, IN. This method is highly dependable, offering precise detection of drug use. The rapid processing times ensure that individuals and organizations obtain needed information swiftly.
Employers in North Crows Nest, IN, benefit from compliance and peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle tests. These tests ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigate legal liabilities, and contribute significantly to maintaining workplace safety.
