Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent method for uncovering drug and alcohol usage. By capturing biomarkers within its fibers, hair retains a historical record of substance consumption over an extended period. A sample taken near the scalp can offer a detection range of up to about 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred quantity for screening and validation. For EtG testing, additional assays, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale is advisable for precise specimen weighing. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. The term 'head hair' exclusively refers to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result is divided into four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial sample processing within a laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, allocates a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizes data entry if not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary evaluation for recreational drugs. Though economical for ruling out drug usage in most cases, a positive screen’s validity requires further confirmation for legal proceedings. Any samples testing positive during Screening necessitate an additional confirmation step.
In cases where Screening indicates a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and set for Extraction. This phase isolates drugs from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those found using alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques confirm any positive screening outcomes. As required, all samples showing positive results in preliminary screenings are cleansed prior to formal confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory process is appraised according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and is certified to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing is Superior to Urine Testing in Westport, IN: Hair testing offers notable advantages over standard urine tests, chiefly in the realm of detection accuracy and reliability. Where urine tests may fall short, hair tests excel by capturing a comprehensive substance timeline.
Not only do hair tests detect a wider variety of substances, but they also do so with a precision that urine tests cannot match, making them the preferred choice for thorough screenings.
Extended Detection Window in Westport, IN: A key advantage of hair follicle testing is the prolonged detection period it offers, capable of tracing drug usage up to a full 90 days. This extensive window provides a detailed view of an individual’s substance use history.
Employers in Westport greatly benefit from this ability to assess an applicant or employee’s long-term drug use, which is crucial for maintaining a safe and responsible workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Westport, IN: Hair follicle tests are renowned for their resistance to tampering, significantly minimizing the risk of sample contamination or adulteration. This integrity ensures test results are both credible and unquestionable.
The methodology used in hair testing provides Westport residents with assurance of accurate findings, free from the typical vulnerabilities that can compromise other testing methods.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing in Westport, IN: Our expansive network of testing centers nationwide, including local ones in Westport, provides straightforward access to testing services, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all clients.
This network’s reach ensures that Westport's community can easily locate a nearby center, streamlining the process for anyone needing quick and convenient testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Westport, IN: Our hair follicle testing procedure is both straightforward and confidential, ensuring privacy is maintained from the initial order to the receipt of results. This process addresses privacy concerns effectively.
Westport residents can rest assured knowing the testing procedure is designed to be user-friendly and discreet, providing ease of use and peace of mind during every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Westport, IN: Our competitive pricing and efficient turnaround times provide exceptional value, ensuring that businesses of all sizes receive excellent service and results without undue delay.
Westport's various organizations are assured swift and budget-friendly solutions, with costs tailored to ensure accessibility for everyone in need of reliable testing services.
Fast and Accurate Results in Westport, IN: Hair follicle drug tests provide quick and highly precise outcomes. Their accuracy in identifying substance use is unrivaled, ensuring that results are both dependable and relevant to any personal or professional situations.
The robust efficacy of these tests guarantees that Westport's residents receive definitive conclusions promptly, enabling informed decisions without long waits.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Westport, IN: Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with enforcing drug-free workplace policies, ensuring compliance and peace of mind. It mitigates legal risks and enhances the overall safety within the workplace.
For employers in Westport, this method serves as a reliable enforcement tool, fostering a secure and responsible working environment for all employees involved.
