Hair Follicle Drug Testing - West Lafayette, IN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged history of substance use by preserving biomarkers within the hair strands' fibers as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair samples can reveal up to roughly a 3-month period of drug and alcohol usage. The collection process for hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.

Gathering a 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands from the scalp (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. When testing for EtG, additional substances, or more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be substituted. It's important to note that 'head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' includes all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily involves four stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning starts with the initial introduction of a sample into a laboratory's database. This process includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any additional data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for drug use. While a cost-friendly approach to dismiss drug use in most cases, a positive Screening result requires validation for legal admissibility. Any presumptively positive samples found during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

Should a sample yield a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of any positive screening findings is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory processing from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly reviewed under both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection timeframe.
• Low possibility of tampering: The difficulty of compromising hair drug tests ensures greater result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: Hair tests reveal a pattern of drug usage over time rather than just recent intake.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent use: Substances require approximately 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests incur higher costs than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels within hair.

Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis involves the hair strand itself and not the follicle located beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In West Lafayette, IN, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine tests. Hair testing offers superior detection capabilities with its ability to reveal drug use over a lengthy timeframe. Employers seeking to enforce strict no-drug policies benefit from its long-lasting detection. Compared to urine tests, hair tests provide a reliable and more comprehensive history, ensuring a thorough evaluation of an individual's substance use.

Extended Detection Window

In West Lafayette, IN, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, revealing drug use over the past 90 days. This long span provides employers a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance use history. By capturing a broader timeline, hair tests aid in informed hiring and monitoring decisions, thus enhancing the ability to manage workplace safety and compliance effectively, ensuring a drug-free environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

West Lafayette, IN, benefits from hair follicle testing due to its tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly minimizes the risk of altering samples, offering accurate and trustworthy results. Its design makes manipulation difficult, providing employers and authorities with peace of mind regarding the integrity of the test outcomes. The reliable nature of hair tests sets a higher standard in drug screening.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In West Lafayette, IN, accessing hair follicle testing is made easy with widespread locations. Nationwide testing centers provide convenience, ensuring that testing services are quick and hassle-free. Whether local or in other cities, the widespread availability caters to individuals and employers alike, simplifying the process of obtaining reliable drug testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

For those in West Lafayette, IN, the process of hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the clear steps protect user privacy and facilitate ease of use. This straightforward approach addresses any privacy concerns while ensuring that the entire procedure remains stress-free and easily manageable for all involved parties.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

West Lafayette, IN, offers hair follicle tests with affordable pricing and fast turnaround. The competitive pricing structure ensures that companies of all sizes receive excellent value. Coupled with quick processing times, these tests deliver peace of mind by providing timely and budget-friendly solutions for drug testing needs, aiding businesses in maintaining safe and compliant operations.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Residents of West Lafayette, IN, can depend on hair follicle tests for fast and accurate results. These tests are designed to identify substance use with remarkable precision, allowing for timely decision-making. The swift processing and high detection accuracy of hair tests make them a preferred choice, providing a level of reliability that is hard to match. Employers seeking dependable results will find hair follicle tests to be invaluable.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in West Lafayette, IN, achieve compliance and peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle tests. This method upholds workplace drug-free requirements, reducing legal risks and enhancing safety. By choosing hair testing, companies ensure alignment with policies and foster a secure environment for all employees, thus demonstrating a commitment to health and industry standards.

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