Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The approach of hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. As hair grows, it traps biomarkers that provide a long-term record of alcohol and drug use. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can yield a detection period of up to approximately three months for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) located closest to the scalp will produce 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or analyses over 10 panels, a larger sample of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not present, a similar quantity of body hair might be collected. In the context of head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core stages in processing a lab drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about the initial processing of the sample into the lab’s system. This stage ensures proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) randomly, and fulfills any additional data input that an electronic chain of custody might not cover.
Screening performs an early evaluation for any signs of substance abuse. Although cost-effective for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screening needs further confirmation for court admissibility. Any sample that tested positive during Screening requires a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. At this point, the drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug testing is considered the most challenging approach.
A positive screening result proceeds to Confirmation, which occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. From Accessioning through to Confirmation, the whole lab process is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Onward, IN, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in several ways. Hair testing delivers superior accuracy, capturing a longer window of detection. While urine tests are useful for recent usage, the ability of hair tests to monitor substances over months gives an edge in assessment accuracy and reliability.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Onward, IN, offers a comprehensive view of substance use history. With an analysis period extending up to 90 days, employers gain valuable insights into applicants' and employees' drug use, aiding informed hiring and retention decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Onward, IN, provides a tamper-resistant method that significantly diminishes the possibility of sample manipulation. Such assurance in test reliability leads to unquestionable results, bolstering validity and trustworthiness for all stakeholders involved.
Onward, IN benefits from extensive and convenient testing locations, simplifying access to hair follicle testing. Nationwide centers ensure that testing is quick and hassle-free, supporting both local and distant clients with seamless service provision.
The hair follicle testing process in Onward, IN is straightforward and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, every step respects privacy and ensures user-friendly procedures, addressing any privacy concerns while maintaining ease of use.
Affordability and swift turnaround make hair follicle testing in Onward, IN an attractive option for organizations of all sizes. Competitive pricing and fast results deliver great value, reassuring businesses of their cost-effectiveness and efficiency within their drug screening policies.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests in Onward, IN, ensures reliable and accurate results. Highlighting both speed and accuracy, these tests provide thorough analyses of substance use. Quick processing times coupled with high detection accuracy make them ideal for timely decision-making.
In Onward, IN, utilizing hair follicle testing fosters compliance with workplace drug-free policies, affording peace of mind to employers. This reliable testing method minimizes legal issues and bolsters safety, upholding professional standards with robust policy adherence.
