Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing is increasingly regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to obtain, difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels over 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is processed into a laboratory’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial, rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective means to discount drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require an additional confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen to prepare for Extraction. Here, drugs are recovered from hair at a significantly lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptively positive samples are washed before confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Princes Lakes, IN
Hair follicle tests provide a superior edge over traditional urine tests. They guarantee higher detection accuracy and are less prone to contamination or tampering. The impressive detection window and methodical collection process ensure more reliable results, crucial for maintaining safety and compliance in various settings.
Extended Detection Window in Princes Lakes, IN
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection period for drug use, often up to 90 days. This long window provides employers a thorough understanding of an applicant's or employee's substance use history, empowering them to make better hiring or management decisions, reinforcing workplace safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Princes Lakes, IN
The hair follicle testing method significantly minimizes risks associated with sample tampering. Its robust collection process ensures the integrity of the sample, providing results that are trustworthy and free from manipulation. This makes it a preferred choice for reliable drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Princes Lakes, IN
The nationwide network of testing centers means that individuals and employers can easily access testing services, including in Princes Lakes. This convenience ensures that testing is conducted promptly and efficiently, without the hassle of extensive travel for those tested.
Simple, Confidential Process in Princes Lakes, IN
The process of ordering, completing, and receiving results from a hair follicle test is streamlined and confidential. This offers peace of mind to individuals concerned about their privacy, as results are handled securely, ensuring ease of use and discretion throughout the entire testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Princes Lakes, IN
Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround times ensures excellent value in hair follicle testing. This approach helps companies of all sizes manage their drug testing needs effectively without straining their budgets, ensuring rapid results and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Princes Lakes, IN
Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled speed and precision in detecting substance use. The accuracy of these tests means that both individuals and organizations can trust the results to make informed decisions. With fast processing, results are delivered quickly, ensuring no delays in critical decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Princes Lakes, IN
Employers using hair follicle testing can ensure full compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This approach reduces legal risks and enhances safety, providing peace of mind that they are upholding necessary standards while maintaining a productive work environment.
