Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a highly effective method for identifying substance and alcohol use. It offers an extended overview of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When hair samples are taken near the scalp, they can offer a detection timeline of nearly 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair sampling is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and conveniently shipped.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) directly next to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For tests like EtG, extras, and tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg of hair. Using a jeweler’s scale to verify the weight of the hair is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, underarm).
Process Overview
The essential phases in a laboratory’s process to evaluate a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial integration of a sample into a lab's records. This process checks that the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and finalizes any missing information not already logged in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a quick preliminary evaluation for drug presence. Although screening is a budget-friendly means to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates further verification for legal admissibility. Any samples indicated as positive during screening must be validated with a secondary confirmation.
In the event of a positive indication during Screening, more hair is extracted from the sample and prepared for the Extraction phase. Drugs in this stage are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or saliva), making hair drug testing a highly complex method.
For Confirmation of any positive screening results, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are used. Samples that presumptively test positive are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly assessed under the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wanatah, IN. Hair testing boasts superior reliability and detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. The ability to identify drug use over an extended period makes it a preferable choice, providing unparalleled insight into a person’s substance history.
Extended Detection Window in Wanatah, IN means hair follicle testing excels by detecting drug use for up to 90 days. Employers benefit from a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance use history, making informed decisions about potential hires and maintaining a safe work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wanatah, IN offers a robust approach to drug testing. Hair follicle tests greatly minimize the risk of adulteration, ensuring the sample remains intact and the results are credible. This clarity provides assurance to both employers and individuals alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Wanatah, IN mean access to drug testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. With centers spread across the nation, including locally, individuals and employers can easily find a site for swift and convenient testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wanatah, IN describes how easy and private it is to order, conduct, and obtain results from our hair follicle tests. We prioritize privacy and simplicity, addressing confidentiality concerns while ensuring the process is user-friendly and secure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wanatah, IN underline our commitment to providing cost-effective and timely testing solutions. Our competitive pricing and rapid result delivery offer great value, ensuring peace of mind for businesses irrespective of their size.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results are a hallmark of hair follicle testing in Wanatah, IN. Our hair drug tests not only deliver high precision in substance detection but also ensure swift results. This efficiency is unmatched compared to other methods, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize both speed and accuracy in drug testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wanatah, IN. Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal liabilities and fostering a safe work culture. This method is critical for companies aiming to uphold their standards effectively.