Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly acknowledged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands encapsulate long-term evidence of substance use, capturing biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they develop. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it offers a detection timeframe of up to roughly three months for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch portion of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, or tests beyond 10 parameters, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen's weight. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent volume of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is logged into a lab's system. This step confirms that the sample is correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional information entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for substance misuse. Though Screening offers an economical means to eliminate substance usage in most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further verification.
If a Screening reveals a presumptive positive, additional hair from the original specimen undergoes preparation for Extraction. This phase involves extracting substances from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underpinning the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated per both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the process evaluates the hair strand rather than the sub-scalp hair follicle
When evaluating drug testing options in Oaktown, IN, hair follicle testing offers clear advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy, particularly in identifying long-term substance use, making them a more reliable option for employers and authorities aiming to enforce zero-tolerance policies effectively.
Hair follicle testing in Oaktown, IN, allows detection of drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This comprehensive view of an individual's substance history aids employers in making informed decisions about potential or current employees, offering a broader perspective than standard testing methods.
In Oaktown, IN, hair follicle tests significantly minimize the risk of sample tampering. This tamper-resistant method ensures that results are reliable and credible, providing peace of mind through a testing process that leaves little room for manipulation compared to other methods like urine tests.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience with testing centers nationwide, including in Oaktown, IN. This wide network provides quick and accessible testing solutions, reducing hassle and facilitating an efficient drug testing process for individuals and companies across various locations.
The drug testing process in Oaktown, IN, is simple and confidential. From scheduling to receiving results, every step prioritizes ease and privacy. Accredited Drug Testing guarantees a streamlined procedure that addresses confidentiality concerns while ensuring quick and straightforward service.
Accredited Drug Testing in Oaktown, IN, offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Our affordable pricing structure and rapid results provide exceptional value, making our services an attractive option for companies of all sizes in need of reliable drug testing solutions.
In Oaktown, IN, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its accuracy and rapid result delivery. Hair follicle tests are highly precise in identifying substance consumption, offering reliable and fast insights into an individual's drug usage. The fidelity and quick turnaround times of these tests make them an invaluable tool for various settings.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Oaktown, IN, supports employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal concerns and promotes a secure working environment. By choosing hair testing, companies can effectively uphold strict no-drug policies, offering peace of mind and legal protection.
