Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair can record a prolonged history of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fiber structure. By collecting hair close to the scalp, it is possible to detect alcohol and drugs over a period of up to three months. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of roughly 200 strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields about 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those beyond 10 panels, a recommendation of 150mg of hair is made. It's advised to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair not be available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, it pertains strictly to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of processing a sample within a lab's system and encompasses checking that the sample was securely sealed and shipped correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might not automatically fulfill.
Screening offers a preliminary examination for potential drugs of abuse. While it is cost-effective in eliminating drug use for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to stand in legal settings. Samples indicating a positive result in Screening demand a secondary confirmation.
If a sample reveals a preliminary positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are liberated from hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis notably challenging to execute accurately.
Any positive screenings are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab sequence, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", these tests actually examine the hair strand and not the follicle that resides under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Winchester, IN
Hair testing offers significant advantages over conventional urine testing methods. Its superior detection accuracy and reliability make it a preferred choice. With an extended detection window and resistance to tampering, hair tests provide a clear and accurate assessment, making them invaluable for maintaining policy compliance and workplace safety.
Extended Detection Window in Winchester, IN
Hair follicle testing provides a comprehensive view into an individual's substance use history, detecting drug use over a period of up to 90 days. For employers and organizations seeking to ensure a drug-free environment, this capability offers a detailed insight into past behaviors, helping in making informed decisions about prospective or current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Winchester, IN
Hair follicle tests significantly curb the possibility of sample adulteration. As the test collection is witnessed, attempts to cheat are greatly reduced, providing results that are both reliable and incontestable. For organizations, this ensures trust and confidence in the testing process and outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Winchester, IN
Our nationwide network of testing centers ensures convenience with quick, easy access to services. In Winchester, IN, local centers are readily available, facilitating a hassle-free experience. This broad accessibility allows for efficient organization of testing requirements without delay or inconvenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Winchester, IN
Our hair follicle testing follows a straightforward and private procedure, right from ordering to receiving results. With a focus on confidentiality, concerns about privacy are addressed, making the process accessible and stress-free for individuals seeking testing for personal or professional purposes.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Winchester, IN
Competitive pricing and swift result delivery underscore our service's value. Affordable options ensure that businesses of any size can access top-tier testing services, benefiting from quick turnaround times and cost-effective solutions designed to fit varied needs and budgets.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Winchester, IN
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and swiftness in detecting illegal substance use. Their high accuracy ensures that results are trustworthy, providing peace of mind. Compared to traditional methods, these tests guarantee conclusive results, beneficial for both employers and individuals ensuring compliance and safety.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Winchester, IN
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety across the board. The method offers reassurance and compliance, ensuring a secure and productive working environment by deterring substance misuse.
