Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of these substances, embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, a hair sample can offer an approximately 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. It’s straightforward to collect, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is suggested. A jeweler’s scale is recommended for measuring the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" only refers to scalp hair here, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug test results consists of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is entered into a lab’s system. It involves confirming that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any extra data not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a quick preliminary check for drug presence. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to rule out drug use in most samples, positive screens must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples positive at Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample is positive at Screening, more hair is taken from the primary sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptive positive are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The overall lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Beatrice, NE
Hair follicle tests in Beatrice, NE, surpass traditional urine tests in terms of detection accuracy and overall reliability. Unlike urine tests, which often capture only recent use, hair tests give an expanded view of an individual's drug use history, spanning up to 90 days, reducing the chance of circumvention.
Extended Detection Window in Beatrice, NE
Hair follicle testing in Beatrice, NE, affords employers a substantial 90-day window for detecting drug use, vastly outstripping the capacity of urine tests. This prolonged detection period offers a broader understanding of an individual's substance history, aiding employers in making informed staffing decisions.
Such an extensive assessment period adds depth to the testing process, providing a more comprehensive view of an employee or job applicant's drug usage habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Beatrice, NE
In Beatrice, NE, hair follicle testing stands out for its tamper-resistant properties, significantly reducing the likelihood of sample adulteration. Unlike other testing methods, the observed collection process and nature of hair sampling ensure consistent sample integrity and reliable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Beatrice, NE
Accredited Drug Testing in Beatrice, NE, ensures convenient access to drug testing services with an extensive network of nationwide centers. Our local facilities provide hassle-free and swift testing solutions, efficiently meeting clients' needs across the board.
Easy accessibility to authentic testing services enhances client satisfaction, ensuring comprehensive coverage and support.
Simple, Confidential Process in Beatrice, NE
In Beatrice, NE, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Clients can easily order tests, participate in the procedure, and receive results securely, all while ensuring their privacy is respected throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Beatrice, NE
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing services in Beatrice, NE, offer exceptional value for employers. Companies of all sizes can benefit from cost-efficient solutions without compromising on quality and speed, supporting informed employment decisions.
This affordable approach promotes financial savings and operational efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Beatrice, NE
Hair follicle drug tests in Beatrice, NE, offer remarkable speed, precision, and accuracy in detecting substance use. The process ensures swift results without compromising accuracy, helping decision-makers act promptly on reliable data.
With hair testing, false positives and negatives are minimized, providing employers with dependable information. These attributes make hair tests an essential tool for maintaining compliance with company substance policies.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Beatrice, NE
Hair follicle testing in Beatrice, NE, fosters compliance with workplace drug-free policies. It minimizes legal risks for employers and reinforces organizational safety, providing peace of mind by ensuring that staff adhere to substance use regulations.
By adopting this testing method, companies can demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining a secure and healthy work environment.
