Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Cedar Creek, NE

What it is, How it works

The use of hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to three months for various substances, including alcohol. The process of obtaining hair samples is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

An ideal sample for testing and verification, measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's width), amounts to 100mg. For additional testing, such as EtG or assessments surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler's scale for accurate measurement. In instances where scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it strictly pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

The laboratory drug testing workflow consists of four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial task of integrating a sample into the laboratory system. This process involves ensuring the secure sealing and shipment of samples, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any requisite data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody records.

Screening is a preliminary assessment aimed at detecting substance abuse. Although cost-effective and effective for eliminating drug presence in the majority of samples, any positive findings in Screening require confirmation to be deemed valid in legal settings. Samples yielding presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.

Upon obtaining a presumptive positive result at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a particularly intricate technique.

The Confirmation step for positive screening outcomes utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory analysis, encompassing Accessioning through Confirmation, is conducted in compliance with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can report drug use for as long as 90 days, contrasting with the briefer detection window of urine tests.
• Challenging to manipulate: The difficulty of falsifying a hair drug test enhances the accuracy of results.
• Historical usage data: Hair tests can depict a sustained pattern of drug use, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: It typically takes 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair after use.
• Cost: Hair drug testing usually incurs higher expenses compared to other methods of drug testing.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration levels of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Though frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cedar Creek, NE

Hair testing in Cedar Creek offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. With extended detection periods and higher accuracy, it provides a more thorough history of drug use, elevating the reliability of the results.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Cedar Creek, NE

The detection window for hair follicle tests in Cedar Creek, NE, can extend up to 90 days, offering employers an in-depth view of substance use history. This prolonged window increases the effectiveness of the screening process.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cedar Creek, NE

Hair follicle testing in Cedar Creek dramatically reduces sample tampering risk, offering reliable results. This method’s integrity ensures highly credible data, reinforcing its superiority over other tests.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cedar Creek, NE

Our extensive network of testing centers simplifies access in Cedar Creek, NE. With multiple locations, we assure effortless and quick testing procedures nationwide and locally.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Cedar Creek, NE

In Cedar Creek, NE, our process for hair follicle testing ensures simplicity and privacy from start to finish. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure respects confidentiality while being user-friendly.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cedar Creek, NE

In Cedar Creek, NE, our hair testing services offer competitive prices and quick results, providing outstanding value and peace of mind for all business sizes. We assure economical efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cedar Creek, NE

In Cedar Creek, NE, hair follicle tests offer superior accuracy and rapid results. This method provides comprehensive insights into substance use, ensuring employers receive dependable data without delay, maximizing trust in testing outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cedar Creek, NE

Hair follicle testing in Cedar Creek supports workplace drug-free rules, minimizing legal risks and fostering a safe environment. This testing boosts employer confidence in maintaining policy adherence.

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