Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair samples offer a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can present an approximate three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal quantity for testing and verification. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result is comprised of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample as it enters the lab's system. This step includes ensuring the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails a preliminary test to detect potential drug abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient means to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive results from this stage require confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples that show a positive result in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a potential positive, additional hair is utilized from the original sample for the Extraction phase. This step involves isolating drugs from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing particularly challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumed positive findings undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in North Salem, IN: Hair follicle testing stands out by offering superior detection capabilities, especially over longer periods, compared to traditional urine tests. While urine tests are limited to recent use, hair tests can detect drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended detection period provides more reliable and comprehensive insights for employers and entities needing thorough screenings.
Extended Detection Window in North Salem, IN: Hair follicle tests offer a vastly extended detection window, covering up to 90 days of substance use. This long-term view is ideal for employers seeking a detailed understanding of a candidate's or employee's history. The ability to capture a comprehensive picture of past drug use supports informed decision-making, promoting workplace safety and compliance.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in North Salem, IN: Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering or adulteration. Given the nature of hair as a testing sample, it's challenging to alter, ensuring integrity in results. This reliability is crucial for employers and legal entities aiming for unquestionable evidence, thereby upholding stringent standards of testing accuracy.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in North Salem, IN: Our extensive network of testing centers provides convenience and accessibility, ensuring easy and efficient service access for everyone. Whether in North Salem or anywhere Nationwide, our locations are readily available to cater to your testing needs, minimizing hassle and delay through a streamlined process.
Simple, Confidential Process in North Salem, IN: Our testing procedure is designed to be straightforward and discreet, addressing privacy concerns effectively. From ordering to sample collection and result retrieval, each step is handled with utmost confidentiality. Clients can rely on our secure and user-friendly process to maintain ease of use while ensuring data protection.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in North Salem, IN: Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and swift test processing times, providing outstanding value. Our quick turnaround ensures that companies receive timely results without sacrificing quality, helping organizations of all sizes to manage their drug testing efficiently and economically, reinforcing peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in North Salem, IN: One of the primary advantages of hair follicle drug tests is their exceptional accuracy and efficiency. With the ability to detect a wide range of substances, these tests provide rapid results that employers can trust. Their precision in identifying past substance use ensures that decisions are based on reliable data, expediting the process while maintaining high standards.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in North Salem, IN: Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, offering employers peace of mind. This method enhances workplace safety, reduces legal liabilities, and fosters a culture of trust and transparency. By adopting reliable testing, companies can prove adherence to regulations and uphold their duty of care to employees.
