Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now viewed as a robust technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended timeline of drug and alcohol usage by encapsulating indicators within the hair fiber as it develops. Obtaining hair samples near the scalp enables detection of drugs and alcohol for up to roughly three months. Hair is uncomplicated to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch segment containing approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the girth of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and verification. For tests requiring EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for measurement is suggested. In cases where scalp hair is not present, equivalent body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair, and body hair denotes hair from other areas (e.g., facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The procedure to analyze a drug test result in the lab encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a specimen within a lab's framework. This step ensures the sample is correctly sealed and transported, allocates a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any additional data input not covered by an electronic custodial chain system.
The Screening phase is a preliminary evaluation for drug substances. While Screening is an economical approach to exclude substance usage for most samples, a positive Screening outcome necessitates validation for court viability. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening must undergo a secondary verification.
In instances of presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is taken from the primary sample for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly lower levels than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug analysis.
The Confirmation stage for any positive Screening outcome is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications as well as accreditation per ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly identified as "hair follicle tests," the actual test evaluates the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Swayzee, IN, hair testing surpasses urine testing by providing exceptional detection accuracy and reliability. Traditional urine tests capture recent use, but hair testing reveals drug use over an extended timeline. Hair samples are hard to tamper with, offering a more trustworthy evaluation. This is especially crucial for employers dedicated to maintaining a drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window
The appeal of hair follicle testing in Swayzee, IN, lies in its ability to uncover a history of substance use spanning up to 90 days. For employers screening applicants or monitoring employees, this broader window offers an insightful view into an individual’s drug usage, unmatched by other testing methods. It provides a comprehensive snapshot of behavioral patterns over time, supporting informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests in Swayzee, IN, excel in minimizing the risks of sample adulteration. Unlike urine tests, the collected hair samples offer undeniable results, free from manipulation attempts. This makes hair testing a preferred solution for organizations requiring the utmost in testing accuracy and reliability, safeguarding against potentially deceptive practices.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
In Swayzee, IN, our accredited drug testing centers offer a network of national testing sites, making it convenient for clients. Whether local or across the US, accessing reliable hair follicle testing is hassle-free, ensuring quick service. This widespread availability promises easy access to testing services wherever needed, supporting timely and efficient drug testing procedures.
Simple, Confidential Process
Our drug testing procedure in Swayzee, IN, is both straightforward and private, addressing potential concerns about ease and confidentiality. Ordering a test, sample collection, and receiving results are seamless experiences designed to be user-friendly. Our commitment ensures each step of the hair follicle testing process respects individual's privacy while maintaining clarity and professionalism.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Swayzee, IN, our competitive pricing structure offers excellent value while delivering swift results. Hair follicle tests are performed efficiently, so companies of all sizes can benefit from quick turnaround times. This provides businesses with prompt, cost-effective access to reliable substance use evaluations, ensuring they receive quality service at accessible rates.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
Offering speedy, precise detection of substance use, hair follicle testing in Swayzee, IN, is renowned for its high accuracy. This method swiftly identifies drug or alcohol exposure, ensuring results are both reliable and timely. Because it analyzes hair samples, this testing method is less likely influenced by short-term abstinence, giving an accurate picture of substance use over weeks.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Swayzee, IN, achieve peace of mind with hair follicle testing by upholding drug-free policies. Using this testing method diminishes legal risks and boosts workplace safety. It ensures compliance with industry standards and legal requirements, offering organizations a dependable tool for maintaining integrity and fostering a secure working environment.
