Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by trapping biomarkers in the hair’s fibrous structure as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of about 200 strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the ideal sample for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When referencing head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step verifies that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result requires Confirmation to be valid in court. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If Screening results are presumptively positive, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging technique to perform.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The end-to-end laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Rochester, IN, hair testing surpasses urine tests in several ways. The benefits of hair follicle testing include superior detection over extended periods, offering greater accuracy and reliability. While urine tests can quickly detect recent drug use, the enhanced detection accuracy and comprehensive overview provided by hair tests make them a preferred choice for many employers.
In Rochester, IN, hair follicle testing excels due to its extended detection window, covering up to 90 days. This method allows employers to gain a full understanding of an individual’s substance history. The comprehensive analysis of past substance use gives a more accurate representation of an applicant or employee’s habits.
Rochester, IN's reliance on hair follicle testing is due to its tamper-resistant nature. These tests significantly diminish the risk of sample adulteration, providing accurate and reliable results that can be trusted. The integrity of the testing process reassures employers and ensures that the outcomes are beyond question.
In Rochester, IN, Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient access to testing services through nationwide and local centers. Our extensive network allows for quick and hassle-free sample collections without long travel times, providing a seamless experience for employers and individuals alike.
In Rochester, IN, the process for hair follicle drug testing is simple and confidential. From placing an order to receiving results, the steps are designed to prioritize privacy and ease of use. Clients can trust that their information remains secure throughout the process, reassuring them of the confidentiality maintained.
Rochester, IN, benefits from affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests, delivering value to companies of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures ensure that businesses gain peace of mind without breaking the bank, with results delivered promptly to maintain operations smoothly.
In Rochester, IN, hair follicle drug tests offer speed, precision, and reliability. These tests quickly deliver results, providing high accuracy in detecting substances. Employers and individuals trust these tests for their fast turnaround and trustworthy outcomes. Precision and Speed are key advantages of hair testing, ensuring that results align with the users’ requirements for quick, accurate information.
Employers in Rochester, IN, benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, offering peace of mind. Compliance with these policies reassures businesses that safety and regulations are upheld.
