Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly viewed as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a long-term record of substances by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. Collected near the scalp, hair can present up to about a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. It is simple to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for testing and verification. For EtG, additions, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair may be gathered. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair. "Body hair" refers to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the laboratory process of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Verification.
Accessioning involves the sample's entry into a lab’s system. This involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data input not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid check for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient way to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate secondary verification.
If a sample is tentatively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive screen result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentatively positive samples are washed before verification as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Verification is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Patriot, IN, hair follicle testing emerges superior to urine testing largely due to its advanced detection capabilities. Hair tests provide more reliable results and cover an extended period, often yielding higher accuracy for drug detection. These benefits make them a preferred choice among employers and legal bodies looking for robust drug testing solutions.
One of the major advantages of hair follicle testing in Patriot, IN is its extended detection period. It can trace drug use up to 90 days prior, providing employers with a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance history. This long detection window assures a thorough and reliable assessment of drug consumption habits.
Hair follicle testing is a tamper-proof method that minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, offering reliable results. In Patriot, IN, this approach ensures that the integrity of the test remains intact, eliminating doubts about sample manipulation and making it a favored choice for institutions seeking trustworthy results.
With testing centers spread nationwide, including local options in Patriot, IN, accessing hair follicle drug testing is convenient and efficient. This coverage ensures quick, seamless service, allowing individuals and businesses to undergo testing without hassle, regardless of location.
The process for hair follicle testing in Patriot, IN is straightforward and discreet. From ordering to results delivery, every step is designed to ensure confidentiality and ease of use. Concerned individuals and employers can rely on a streamlined process that respects privacy throughout testing.
In Patriot, IN, hair follicle testing is offered at competitive prices with fast turnaround times. This cost-effective service presents excellent value, catering to companies of all sizes seeking reliable testing solutions that deliver quick and precise results without compromising on quality.
Hair follicle drug testing stands out in Patriot, IN for its rapid, dependable results. This method offers precise analysis, quickly identifying traces of substance use. Employers and courts trust its accuracy, which ensures informed decisions in hiring and legal cases. The reliability of hair testing lies in its detailed approach to detecting drug usage, reassuring those who rely on its findings.
For employers in Patriot, IN, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By incorporating this testing method, businesses can mitigate legal risks and foster a safer working environment. The accuracy and reliability of hair testing support policy enforcement, enhancing overall peace of mind.
