Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-standing record of substance use, embedding biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. When hair is taken near the scalp, it can offer a detection time frame for substances like alcohol and drugs, reaching approximately three months. Hair collection is straightforward, has a low risk for tampering, and is convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (roughly akin to a #2 pencil thickness) can yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and validation. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable volume of body hair may be used. References to head hair exclusively mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory system. This step confirms that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns it an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary swift examination for drugs typically misused. While Screening offers an economical approach to identify drug use across many samples, confirming a positive result is necessary for legal acceptance. Samples suggesting a positive result from Screening demand a follow-up confirmation.
In cases where the Screening step indicates a possible positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and processed for Extraction. In this phase, drug components are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a particularly challenging practice.
For any positive outcome from Screening, Confirmation utilizes methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples presumed positive are washed as needed before confirmation. The complete lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to the accreditation of ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the actual test evaluates the hair strand, not the underlying hair follicle.
Hair follicle testing in Albion, NE can outperform urine testing. Key advantages include:
Offering a broader detection window in Albion, NE, hair follicle testing captures drug use up to 90 days prior. This long timeframe provides employers with a detailed view of an individual's substance history. Hair tests are thus ideal for employers seeking to thoroughly vet potential hires, ensuring a workforce that aligns with company substance policies.
Hair follicle tests are a tamper-resistant method available in Albion, NE. By accessing a sample that is difficult to obscure or alter, these tests offer dependable and verifiable results. Their inherent resistance to tampering ensures that both companies and individuals can confidently rely on the outcomes, reinforcing trust in testing protocols.
The availability of nationwide testing centers makes hair follicle testing convenient in Albion, NE. With
In Albion, NE, the simple and confidential process of hair follicle testing stands out. With straightforward steps to
In Albion, NE, our affordable pricing and quick turnaround times offer great value. Providing cost-effective solutions alongside
In Albion, NE, the speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests set them apart. With high accuracy, these tests swiftly identify substance use patterns over time. Those needing
Employers gain peace of mind using hair follicle testing in Albion, NE. This approach supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks. By fostering a safe work environment, hair testing aids in preserving the integrity and well-being of all employees through comprehensive compliance solutions.