Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a chronicle of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide a detection window of up to three months for substances like alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to obtain, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample length of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (about the circumference of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests with more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, a similar volume of body hair can be gathered. Head hair generally refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental phases in processing a drug test result in a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is entered into a laboratory’s system. This involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary inspection for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to identify drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
In cases where a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and is processed for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair with a lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most complex methodologies.
Any positive Screening result undergoes Confirmation through methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are washed as necessary before confirmation. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation standards of ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the actual examination is performed on the hair itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Tests Triumph Over Urine Tests in Vernon, IN
Compared to traditional urine testing, hair follicle tests offer superior accuracy and dependability. These tests can detect substances over a longer time frame, providing a more enduring overview compared to the shorter detection window of urine tests.
Urine tests fall short when it comes to the spoofing risk, whereas hair testing minimizes such vulnerabilities. This reliability establishes it as the preferred method amongst organizations that value thorough screening.
Extended Detection Range in Vernon, IN
The hair follicle test shines by providing a 90-day detection period, significantly surpassing the capabilities of urine tests. This prolonged window allows for an extensive review of an individual's drug use history.
Employers can take advantage of this long-term detection ability to foster a drug-free workplace, gaining deeper insights into their workforce's substance use over an extended timeframe.
Immutable Testing Method in Vernon, IN
Hair follicle testing offers a solid defense against tampering, drastically lowering sample adulteration risks. This robust approach ensures that the outcomes are both reliable and undeniable.
By preventing potential manipulations, hair testing provides peace of mind, securing its results from compromising factors that might affect traditional urine tests.
Ease of Access with Testing Centers Nationwide and Locally in Vernon, IN
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures convenient access to hair follicle drug testing services across the nation, including local options.
This ensures a swift and seamless testing process, highlighting the convenience and accessibility that Accredited Drug Testing provides to its clients.
Straightforward and Confidential Testing Process in Vernon, IN
The process for ordering, taking, and retrieving results from hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. Client privacy and ease are prioritized, making it an accessible option for everyone.
From start to finish, this process offers a seamless experience, ensuring that user concerns about privacy and simplicity are adequately addressed.
Competitive Costs and Quick Result Times in Vernon, IN
At Accredited Drug Testing, our pricing models are designed to be competitive, and our quick result turnaround times provide exceptional value for businesses.
This affordable solution gives companies peace of mind, ensuring cost-effective access to state-of-the-art hair follicle testing services for organizations of every size.
Fast Execution and High Precision in Vernon, IN
Hair follicle drug testing stands out for delivering results both quickly and accurately. This method offers definitive identification of substance use, built on its capacity to deliver speedy and precise outcomes.
The unsurpassed accuracy of hair follicle testing ensures confidence in its results. Such precision in detection provides clarity for both employees and employers alike, paving the way for informed decision-making processes.
Assurance and Compliance for Employers in Vernon, IN
Hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, enhancing compliance. This approach minimizes legal risks and fortifies workplace safety, fostering a secure environment.
By using hair testing, employers can verify drug policy adherence, offering peace of mind and ensuring consistency across company standards.
