Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug activities by preserving biomarkers within the threads of the developing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can supply a detection timeframe of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drug usage. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
An ideal sample for analysis and confirmation involves taking a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair. For EtG extensions and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample is advised. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses alternate hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test result comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial lab system processing. This procedure entails confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry missing from electronic chain-of-custody documentation.
Screening conducts a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. While Screening economically excludes drug usage in most samples, confirming a positive screen is necessary for legal admissibility. Any screenings deemed preliminarily positive need subsequent confirmation.
If the Screening stage indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is sourced from the primary specimen for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other techniques like urine or saliva, underscoring why hair drug analysis is the most challenging method.
Confirming any positive screening outcome utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Any samples identified as presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly dubbed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually scrutinizes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oldenburg, IN
Hair follicle tests offer wider detection windows and yield more accurate results than urine tests. Unlike urine tests that detect recent use, hair analysis reveals a longer history, providing a full view of an individual's substance use habits.
Extended Detection Window in Oldenburg, IN
The primary advantage of hair follicle testing is its prolonged detection capability, stretching up to 90 days. This provides employers with a detailed overview of an individual’s drug history, which is invaluable during hiring or routine checks.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oldenburg, IN
Hair follicle tests are nearly impervious to tampering. The stringent collection and analysis protocols create a reliable and trustworthy testing method, reducing the potential for sample adulteration and false results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oldenburg, IN
Accredited Drug Testing combines local expertise with a robust nationwide network of testing facilities. This ensures seamless and convenient access to essential hair follicle drug testing services, wherever you are.
Simple, Confidential Process in Oldenburg, IN
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and secure, emphasizing confidentiality and ease. From ordering to receiving results, each step is crafted to maintain individual privacy while delivering efficient outcomes.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oldenburg, IN
Our competitive pricing structures and rapid result delivery ensure excellent value. Business scales of all sizes can benefit from cost-effective solutions tailored to provide quick and reliable results, fostering confidence and security.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oldenburg, IN
Hair follicle drug testing delivers rapid and reliable results, marked by high detection precision. Turnaround times are minimized, ensuring efficient identification of substance use, lending confidence to hiring and monitoring processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oldenburg, IN
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and enhances safety, providing peace of mind to companies and officials concerned with compliance.
