Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide an approximately 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG additions, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When referring to head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The quartet of primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the initial integration of a specimen into the laboratory’s system. This process involves verifying the sample’s seal and proper shipment, designating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid inspection for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective means to negate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court acceptance. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate secondary verification.
Should a sample initially test positive in the Screening process, additional hair is procured from the primary specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most intricate methodology.
Confirmation of any positive outcome from screening is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bridgeport, NE
Hair tests outshine urine tests with superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests can only reveal recent use, hair tests provide a detailed picture of drug use patterns over a longer period, essential for employers enforcing strict drug policies.
Extended Detection Window in Bridgeport, NE
Hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection window of up to 90 days. This capability gives employers in Bridgeport the advantage of viewing a comprehensive history of an applicant's or employee's substance use, which is invaluable in making informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bridgeport, NE
Hair follicle tests are inherently resistant to tampering, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. Employers and legal entities in Bridgeport can trust the outcomes as they provide dependable and unquestionable results for drug-related screenings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bridgeport, NE
Our widespread network of testing centers ensures you have easy and hassle-free access to testing services. With local availability in Bridgeport, testing is convenient, quick, and accessible for all clients seeking quality drug screening.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bridgeport, NE
Our process for arranging, carrying out, and receiving results of hair follicle drug tests is straightforward and private. Clients' concerns about privacy and efficiency are addressed, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bridgeport, NE
We pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing and expeditious result times, ensuring exceptional value. Companies of various sizes in Bridgeport can benefit from our affordable and efficient testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bridgeport, NE
With remarkable precision, hair follicle drug tests offer speedy results for substance detection. Their high accuracy ensures that any substances used are promptly identified, making them the go-to choice for many organizations seeking reliable drug testing methods in Bridgeport, NE.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bridgeport, NE
Utilizing hair follicle testing aids in maintaining adherence to workplace drug-free mandates. It reduces legal liabilities and fosters a safer work environment, providing employers in Bridgeport with the assurance needed to implement a robust drug testing program.
