Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a formidable technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands can capture long-term data on alcohol and drugs by storing biomarkers within the fiber of the hair as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, it potentially reveals a detection range of up to three months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
Collecting a sample of 1.5 inches, with approximately 200 hair strands (roughly a #2 pencil's width) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for analysis and validation. For EtG or expanded panels beyond 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample weight using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be missing, a similar amount of body hair can be utilized. When speaking of head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair; body hair encompasses any other type (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process comprises Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial integration into the laboratory's system, including verification of proper sealing and shipping, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not supplied by the electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary rapid assessment for drug presence. Though cost-efficient, a positive screening requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation processes.
In the event of a presumptively positive result from Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is subjected to Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at relatively low concentrations, which differentiates it from other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), emphasizing hair screening's complexity.
Positive screening results move to Confirmation via methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all suspect positive samples require a washing step. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, along with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently referred to as "hair follicle tests", this testing actually involves the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pierceton, IN - The hair follicle test offers several advantages over traditional urine tests. It boasts superior detection ability and reliability, capturing a broader timeframe of substance use. Employers and authorities rely on its enhanced accuracy to enforce zero-tolerance drug policies effectively, making it an invaluable tool in maintaining safety standards.
Extended Detection Window in Pierceton, IN - Hair follicle testing effectively captures drug use over an expansive period, typically up to 90 days. This extensive window provides employers with a detailed look into a potential or current employee's substance use history, ensuring a thorough vetting process. It's an invaluable resource for making informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pierceton, IN - One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. The nature of hair samples significantly lowers the possibility of adulteration, delivering results that are both dependable and unquestionable. This feature makes it an essential part of compliant and secure testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Pierceton, IN - With a vast range of testing centers nationwide, our services are both quick and accessible. This convenient infrastructure supports a hassle-free approach to drug testing, enabling clients to easily access the procedures they need without undue delay.
Simple, Confidential Process in Pierceton, IN - Embodying simplicity and confidentiality, our process for ordering, administering, and receiving results addresses all privacy concerns. Clients can be assured of an effortless and discreet experience, enhancing the overall usability and trust in the testing service.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pierceton, IN - Our competitive pricing structures combined with prompt turnaround times provide substantial value. Catering to companies of all sizes, these features ensure affordability while delivering peace of mind, making efficient drug testing accessible to all.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pierceton, IN - Hair follicle drug tests stand out in their precision and speed, ensuring high accuracy in substance detection. This testing method promises prompt and dependable results, safeguarding reliability and making it a preferred choice for those seeking certainty in assessment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pierceton, IN - Implementing hair follicle testing assists employers in upholding workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and fostering a safer working environment. This testing method ensures compliance, offering employers substantial peace of mind by reinforcing a commitment to safety standards.
