Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow, hair offers an extended history of substance use. When taken close to the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use for as long as three months. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, is not easily tampered with, and is convenient to transport.
A sample of approximately 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil size), taken nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advisable. Utilization of a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing is suggested. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair alone, whereas "body hair" encompasses various other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result consists of the following four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample undergoes initial processing into the laboratory’s system, including verification of proper sealing and shipment, assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completion of any additional data entry required outside of an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, any positive screening results require confirmation to be legally valid. Samples with presumptive positives in the Screening phase necessitate further confirmation.
For samples flagged as presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. This involves extracting drugs from hair at a much lower concentration than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid tests), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation for any positive screening results is carried out with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis pertains to the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why choose hair follicle over urine testing in Quincy, IN? The hair follicle test stands out for its ability to uncover a longer history of drug usage. While urine tests offer immediate detection, hair testing delivers a broader view over months, marking it far superior in assessing long-term patterns of use. This superior detection accuracy makes hair testing a reliable choice for organizations serious about maintaining a safe and compliant environment.
Extended detection coverages make hair follicle testing a powerful tool in Quincy, IN. Capable of revealing drug use up to 90 days prior, it offers employers a clearer understanding of an individual’s substance history. This extended window of detection allows businesses to ensure their teams remain drug-free over extended periods, unlike the short-term focus offered by traditional methods.
In Quincy, IN, hair follicle drug tests provide a tamper-resistant solution in drug screening. The test significantly reduces the possibility of sample alteration or adulteration, ensuring that the results are reliable. This makes it an invaluable method in environments where both accuracy and integrity are paramount, offering peace of mind with its nearly foolproof protection against gaming the system.
Accessing testing services is made convenient with our nationwide and local Quincy, IN locations. Accredited Drug Testing ensures that you can quickly, and easily get tested without the hassle of traveling far. Whether you're near or far, our widespread network of centers supports your need for efficient drug testing access, simplifying the process for everyone involved.
The process is straightforward and confidential in Quincy, IN. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving the results is designed to respect your privacy while offering simplicity in steps. Accredited Drug Testing makes it easy for clients to proceed through their testing with peace of mind, knowing their information remains confidential throughout the process.
Offering competitive pricing, Accredited Drug Testing in Quincy, IN, ensures you receive excellent value for your investment. Our efficient turnaround times complement the attractive pricing, delivering timely results that help businesses operate smoothly. This combination of affordability and speed makes it a favorable choice for companies of all sizes seeking quality drug testing solutions.
The speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug testing distinguish it significantly from other methods available in Quincy, IN. Known for its high precision, this testing option provides clear and dependable results that make it ideal for detecting substance use. Employers and individuals benefit from the reliability that this testing process delivers, allowing for informed decisions based on its thorough and detailed analysis.
Hair follicle testing in Quincy, IN, gives employers peace of mind by ensuring compliance with drug-free policies. By utilizing such reliable testing, organizations can effectively mitigate the chances of workplace incidents related to substance abuse. It's a proactive approach that not only helps maintain a safe working environment but also minimizes legal risks associated with drug use on company premises.
