Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the spiraling hair fibers. When taken near the scalp, it can provide up to roughly a 3-month timeframe for drug and alcohol detection. Hair collection is easy, tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of about 200 hair strands (resembling the size of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred sample size for evaluation and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample's weight accurately. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be taken. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" pertains to any other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the onset of processing a sample within a laboratory's workflow. It entails verification of the sample's secure sealing and correct shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any outstanding data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Though it serves as a cost-efficient strategy to dismiss drug utilization in most cases, a positive screening must be substantiated for court admissibility. Samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
In instances where a sample returns presumptively positive at the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. This process retrieves drugs from hair at significantly lower levels than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), rendering hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Positive screening results are verified via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each presumptive positive sample undergoes necessary washing before confirmation. The laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though sometimes termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle and urine drug tests in Shelbyville, IN, hair testing shows a clear advantage. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy, uncovering long-term substance use and providing a more reliable picture than traditional urine tests.
Employers benefit from hair testing's ability to detect drug use over a 90-day period, which greatly enhances workplace safety by highlighting consistent use rather than recent or sporadic instances typically caught by urine tests.
With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Shelbyville, IN, provides a thorough backdrop of an individual's drug usage history. This insight is invaluable for employers seeking to build a safe and drug-free workplace environment.
Unlike methods with shorter detection periods, hair testing offers a clear and continuous account of substance use, allowing employers to make well-informed employment decisions.
In Shelbyville, IN, hair follicle testing is known for being a tamper-resistant option. The method is inherently more reliable as it reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring results remain uncontaminated.
This safeguards the integrity of the testing process and provides absolute confidence in the outcomes, a key factor for businesses seeking to uphold stringent drug policies.
With nationwide testing centers, including those in Shelbyville, IN, accessing hair follicle testing services has never been more convenient. Our facilities provide quick, easy, and hassle-free access to comprehensive drug testing, meeting your needs wherever you are.
Local locations ensure that you can carry out important drug tests without delays, maximizing efficiency and enhancing decision-making processes.
Our process in Shelbyville, IN, is designed to be simple and confidential, easing the stress associated with drug testing. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is streamlined to address your privacy concerns and ensure ease of use throughout.
The confidential nature of the process reassures individuals and employers alike, making hair follicle testing a trusted choice for many.
In Shelbyville, IN, our hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, catering to businesses of all sizes. Our competitive pricing structures provide excellent value and reassure companies that they are receiving high-quality testing services without undue financial strain.
Quick result delivery ensures you can act promptly on insights gained from the tests, enhancing workplace safety and policy adherence.
In Shelbyville, IN, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and accuracy in detecting substance use. This method offers fast and reliable results, allowing employers and individuals to make informed decisions based on precise data.
The precision of hair testing lies in its ability to identify substance use over a significant period. This offers a comprehensive overview of an individual's drug history, which is crucial for workplace safety and policy compliance.
Employers in Shelbyville, IN, achieve peace of mind and ensure policy compliance using hair follicle testing. This method significantly reduces the risk of legal complications, supporting the maintenance of a safe and ethical workplace environment.
By preventing the challenges associated with drug use in the workplace, hair testing empowers employers to uphold a robust, drug-free policy with confidence.
