Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a timeline of drug use by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drug presence. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG assessments, add-ons, and/or panels beyond 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is missing, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Specifically, head hair pertains to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential phases in the lab processing of a drug test response are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the first-handling of a specimen within a lab's framework. This step involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid analysis for substances of misuse. Although Screening is economical for ruling out drug use in the bulk of samples, a positive result must be validated to be acceptable in court. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves retrieving drugs from hair with a much lower concentration than seen in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most intricate method to conduct.
Verification of any positive Screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary before confirmation. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation standards of ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the surface.
Hair follicle testing significantly outperforms traditional urine tests in Spring Lake, IN. Offering superior detection accuracy, hair testing provides a more comprehensive insight into an individual's drug history. While urine tests primarily capture recent substance use, hair tests capture data over a longer timeframe, offering a holistic view of one's substance use. This makes hair testing a more reliable method.
With the benefit of identifying substance use over an extended duration, hair follicle testing in Spring Lake, IN, offers coverage of up to 90 days. This prolonged detection window provides employers with an extensive understanding of an employee or applicant's drug history. By mapping out their substance usage, hair testing presents a detailed snapshot, enhancing the screening process.
Hair follicle tests are known for their robustness against sample tampering in Spring Lake, IN. By substantially minimizing the chances of sample alteration, these tests deliver reliable and indisputable outcomes. The method’s integrity ensures users remain confident in the authenticity of results, fostering trust in the testing process.
Our widespread testing centers guarantee ease and convenience for residents in Spring Lake, IN. Offering a network of nationwide locations, accessing testing services becomes both quick and effortless. This accessibility ensures hassle-free appointments, bridging the gap for seamless drug testing experiences.
The simplicity and confidentiality embedded in our testing process in Spring Lake, IN, alleviate privacy concerns. From order placing to test taking and results reception, every stage is user-friendly and secure. This guarantees a non-intrusive experience, upholding your privacy throughout the entire process.
Our competitive pricing paired with quick turnarounds in Spring Lake, IN, emphasizes value. Catering to companies of diverse sizes, our pricing models ensure affordability without compromising on quality or speed. Clients can thus enjoy peace of mind, confident in the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of our services.
The speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests in Spring Lake, IN, deliver unparalleled results. Predominantly known for their precision, these tests stand out by accurately identifying substance use. Remarkably efficient, they come with the added advantage of speed in result delivery, ensuring rapid and reliable testing outcomes.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Spring Lake, IN, not only ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies but also minimizes legal challenges. By maintaining stringent compliance, employers can enhance workplace safety. This proactive measure nurtures a secure environment, offering employers peace of mind through reliable testing methods.