Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying substance use involving drugs and alcohol. Hair strands hold a prolonged account of substance consumption by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When extracted near the scalp, hair can suggest a detection period of roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the girth of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, deemed the exemplary sample for tests and affirmations. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding ten, 150mg is advised. It's beneficial to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't present, a similar quantity of body hair may be obtained. In the context of head hair, this implies only scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four pivotal phases in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This procedure verifies the sample's sealing and proper shipment, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data input absent from an automatic chain of custody system.
Screening signifies an initial rapid check for drug abuse. Though Screening is an economical means to dismiss drug usage in most samples, any positive result must be verified to hold up in legal settings. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening require secondary confirmation.
During the Screening phase, if a sample is tentatively positive, additional hair is sourced from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, substances are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex technique available.
Positive Screening results are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Constraints:
Note: Despite commonly being termed "hair follicle tests", these analyses examine the hair strand rather than the scalp's underlying hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Rockport, IN
Hair testing holds distinct advantages over traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Its longer detection period and robustness make it a more dependable method, providing comprehensive insights into drug use patterns compared to the shorter windows offered by urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Rockport, IN
Hair follicle drug testing extends the detection timeline up to 90 days, which is significantly longer than other testing methods. This characteristic allows employers to gain a deeper understanding of a candidate or employee's history with substances, promoting informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rockport, IN
Hair follicle tests drastically diminish the risk of sample adulteration, providing results that are both reliable and indisputable. This method’s resistance to tampering ensures that the outcomes of tests are authentic, maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Rockport, IN
Our widespread network of testing centers ensures that accessing our services is straightforward and stress-free. Whether nationwide or locally in Rockport, quick and easy testing solutions are always within reach.
Simple, Confidential Process in Rockport, IN
The procedure for ordering, executing, and receiving hair follicle test results is designed to be simple and confidential. We prioritize privacy and user-friendliness, addressing any concerns related to confidentiality and ease with transparent processes.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rockport, IN
We offer competitive pricing structures and swift turnaround times, ensuring excellent value for companies irrespective of size. This economic efficiency not only offers cost benefits but also assures rapid testing results, providing quick peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Rockport, IN
Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed, ensuring efficient and accurate detection of substance use. Their high level of reliability makes them a preferred choice in drug testing, providing consistently trustworthy results that bolster confidence in the screening process.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rockport, IN
Implementing hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free workplace policies, aiding employers in maintaining compliance and reducing legal challenges. This process not only strengthens workplace safety but also contributes to a secure and risk-free work environment.