Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an efficient method for detecting drug and alcohol intake. Hair encapsulates long-term evidence of alcohol and drug use by sequestering biomarkers inside the growing hair's strands. When sampled near the scalp, it can offer up to a three-month detection span for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches—around 200 strands comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness—collected nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, add-ons, and/or analyses exceeding ten panels, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair isn't available, a corresponding amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a drug test in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is entered into a lab's system. This phase entails verifying that the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning it an LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening is a preliminary and efficient method to detect drug usage in most samples. Although cost-effective, a positive result in Screening needs confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples tentatively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or salivary fluid), making hair drug screening notably challenging.
The Confirmation of positive results in screening is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all tentatively positive samples are washed if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly misunderstood as "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis is performed on the hair strands, not the hair follicle located underneath the scalp.
Oak Park, IN has seen a growing preference for hair follicle testing over urine tests. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy, identifying drug use over longer periods, while urine tests are often limited to recent substance use.
Hair testing proves more reliable than urine tests, largely due to its extensive detection window and less likelihood of sample manipulation, providing Oak Park residents with a dependable method for drug screening.
Employers in Oak Park, IN benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing, which can identify drug use for up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history.
This prolonged detection period sets hair tests apart, providing a fuller understanding of an applicant or employee's potential drug use, which is crucial for making informed hiring and management decisions.
One significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Oak Park, IN is its resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods, hair tests greatly minimize the risk of sample adulteration, offering reliable and undeniable results.
This robust testing method reassures employers and individuals that the test outcomes are a true reflection of substance use, maintaining the integrity of drug screening processes.
With accessible testing centers spread nationwide, including local options in Oak Park, IN, Accredited Drug Testing makes it easy and convenient for individuals to carry out their required screenings without hassle.
This extensive reach ensures that whether near or far, those seeking hair follicle tests can quickly find a nearby location, streamlining the process for all users, wherever they are.
The procedure for hair follicle testing in Oak Park, IN is straightforward and confidential, emphasizing user privacy and ease from ordering to receiving results.
Participants can expect a streamlined process ensuring that their personal information remains private, all while delivering accurate test outcomes efficiently.
Oak Park, IN benefits from Accredited Drug Testing's competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, which helps businesses maintain budget-friendly policies without compromising on quality or speed of results.
With quick turnaround times, this service provides excellent value and reassurance, meeting the needs of companies of varying sizes that seek efficient drug testing solutions.
In Oak Park, IN, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their rapid and precise results. They excel in accurately identifying substance use, ensuring reliable outcomes essential for employers and individuals seeking dependable testing methods.
The efficiency of hair follicle tests lies in their ability to promptly provide detailed insights into an individual's drug use history, setting them apart from other testing methods with their unparalleled accuracy.
For Oak Park, IN employers, hair follicle testing brings compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and fostering a safer work environment for all employees.
By adhering to these testing protocols, businesses not only enhance safety but also ensure peace of mind, knowing they've taken the necessary steps to avoid potential substance abuse-related incidents in the workplace.
