Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying the use of substances like drugs and alcohol. The hair captures a prolonged record by encasing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to roughly three months for substances like alcohol. It is straightforward to collect, somewhat hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A strand sample of 1.5 inches comprising about 200 hairs (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is an ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests including EtG, add-ons, or those beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If no scalp hair is available, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. In terms of head hair, we're exclusively discussing scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
Laboratory handling of drug test samples involves four major processes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing within a lab system, which involves verifying the sample's sealing and delivery, allotting a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry that an electronic chain of custody system hasn’t provided.
Screening is a fast preliminary test for substance abuse. While it offers a cost-efficient way to exclude drug usage in most cases, a positive screening result must be corroborated for legal admissibility. Any sample with a tentative positive in Screening needs further confirmation.
If a Screening gives a tentative positive, additional hair from the original sample is extracted for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are extracted at lower concentrations than those in urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening among the most challenging methodologies to perform.
Positive Screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples indicating a presumptive positive are washed if necessary. Every step from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized per both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests," the procedure examines the strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in South Bend, IN
Hair follicle testing offers several advantages over traditional urine tests. These include superior detection accuracy and reliability, making it a valuable tool for employers and organizations looking to enforce strict no-drug policies. The comprehensive nature of hair testing provides a clearer understanding of an individual's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in South Bend, IN
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its extended detection window, identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This lengthier timeframe allows employers to gain valuable insights into an individual's substance use patterns, supporting better-informed decisions in hiring and personnel management.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in South Bend, IN
One of the significant benefits of hair follicle tests is their resistance to tampering. By substantially reducing the risk of sample manipulation, these tests guarantee reliable and unquestionable results. In South Bend, IN, this method stands out as a secure choice for accurate drug detection.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in South Bend, IN
Our testing centers are available nationwide, including in South Bend, IN, providing quick, easy, and hassle-free access to testing services. This extensive network ensures that you can find a convenient location no matter where you are, streamlining the testing process significantly.
Simple, Confidential Process in South Bend, IN
Our testing process is designed to be simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease of use. In South Bend, IN, you can order, take, and receive test results with minimal hassle, empowering you with the confidence that your information remains strictly protected throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in South Bend, IN
We offer competitive pricing structures and swift turnaround times in South Bend, IN. This approach provides excellent value for companies of all sizes, enabling them to receive accurate, reliable results without undue delay, thus ensuring timely decision-making and planning.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in South Bend, IN
With hair follicle drug tests, you benefit from precision and speed. These tests are highly accurate, providing reliable detection of substance use over extended periods. In South Bend, IN, you can trust hair follicle testing to deliver results quickly and efficiently, ensuring peace of mind for all stakeholders involved.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in South Bend, IN
Using hair follicle testing ensures employers can comply with drug-free workplace policies, thereby minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. This method provides clarity and assurance, fostering a safe and compliant work environment for everyone involved.
