Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has increasingly become recognized as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair strand captures biomarkers within its growing fibers, offering an extended timeline of substance use. A sample obtained near the scalp can reveal drug and alcohol intake over a period of approximately three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resilient to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
An ideal sample involves a 1.5-inch section that includes approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yielding about 100mg of hair for effective screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG add-ons or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be sourced, a comparable volume of body hair can be utilized. Reference to head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the initial introduction of a specimen into the lab system. This step encompasses confirming the secure sealing and correct shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Though cost-efficient and effective in ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screening outcome necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a Screening phase detect a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. This entails collecting drugs at much lower concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluid testing, posing the greatest challenge in hair drug screening procedures.
To confirm any positive screening results, techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as required. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning through Confirmation is examined under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Constraints:
Clarification: Despite being referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Portage, IN, surpasses traditional urine tests for several reasons. One major advantage is its longer detection window, capturing drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended period makes it easier to identify habitual use rather than isolated incidents.
Another benefit is enhanced accuracy and reliability. While urine tests can sometimes be compromised, hair testing resists tampering due to its rigorous collection and analysis processes. For employers, this means greater assurance when making hiring or policy compliance decisions.
Hair follicle testing provides a significant advantage with its extended detection window in Portage, IN. While typical drug tests offer limited insight, hair tests can trace substance use for up to 90 days, giving a comprehensive picture of an individual’s drug history.
This extended window is especially beneficial for employers, offering them a thorough understanding of a potential employee's long-term drug habits. It ensures a more informed decision-making process, adding layers of security and trust in the workplace.
Hair follicle drug tests in Portage, IN, are celebrated for their tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the risk of adulteration. This method offers an observed collection process, ensuring the integrity of samples from the outset.
These tests provide reliable and unquestionable results, given their difficulty to cheat compared to urine tests. This robustness safeguards the testing process, promising employers and legal entities results they can trust.
With convenient locations in Portage, IN, and nationwide, hair follicle testing is easily accessible to all. Our extensive network of testing centers ensures quick and hassle-free access to services, making it simple for companies and individuals to engage in testing.
This widespread reach allows for a seamless experience, no matter where you're located.
The hair follicle testing process in Portage, IN, is designed to be straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns. Ordering and taking the test is simple, with results typically delivered promptly. This user-friendly approach ensures peace of mind for individuals undergoing testing.
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our service, with personal data securely handled and transmitted. Users can trust that their privacy is respected throughout the testing process, fostering a sense of security and assurance.
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Portage, IN, an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. Our affordable rates ensure that you receive excellent value without compromising on accuracy or reliability.
Fast result delivery allows companies to make timely decisions, bolstering operational efficiency. Overall, this cost-effective solution supports business needs while offering peace of mind.
In Portage, IN, hair follicle tests stand out for their swift and dependable outcomes. They provide precise detection of substance use, ensuring that results are not only fast but also accurate. The advanced technology used in these tests enhances their efficiency, offering consistently reliable insights into an individual's drug use history.
The high accuracy of hair follicle testing minimizes false positives and negatives, making it a trusted method for both employers and individuals. This reliability ensures that those undergoing testing can be confident in the results, whether for personal assurance or employment requirements.
For employers in Portage, IN, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, enhancing safety and reducing legal exposure. Adopting this robust method diminishes legal risks and strengthens company policy enforcement.
By integrating hair testing, companies benefit from peace of mind, knowing their workforce is aligned with health and safety standards. This proactive approach to workplace safety fosters a culture of trust and accountability.