Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Testing hair has become recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a detailed timeline of alcohol and drug usage by retaining biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When harvested near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to send.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields around 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample is encouraged. If scalp hair isn't present, a similar amount of body hair can be taken. "Head hair" refers strictly to scalp hair, while "body hair" pertains to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step where the sample is introduced into a lab's system. The process includes confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, giving it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent in the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial analysis for substances of abuse. It serves as an efficient approach to dismiss drug use in most cases; however, a positive screen requires subsequent confirmation to be utilized legally. Samples that test positive during Screening need additional verification.
Should a sample show a positive result at the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are withdrawn from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of a positive screen result is implemented through techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that initially test positive are cleansed as necessary before confirmation. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not on the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Curtis, NE, hair follicle testing surpasses the effectiveness of standard urine tests. It provides a more accurate window into an individual's substance use history. Unlike urine tests, hair tests are not easily manipulated, thus offering employers more dependable results. This testing method is less invasive, conducting through strands of hair, making it more user-friendly for candidates and employees alike.
Hair follicle testing in Curtis, NE, stands out for its extended detection timeline, capturing up to 90 days of drug usage history. Unlike other tests, hair samples reveal substance use over a prolonged period, providing a comprehensive view of an individual's habits. This extensive window aids employers by allowing them to make better judgments on an applicant's or employee’s fitness for role responsibilities.
Hair follicle testing in Curtis, NE, reduces the risk of sample tampering significantly. The robust process ensures that results are reliable and beyond dispute. Sample collection is observed, and the hair test's inherent nature makes it almost impossible to alter, thus fostering greater trust in the outcomes provided, benefitting both employers and employees.
With convenient local and nationwide testing centers, accessing hair follicle testing in Curtis, NE, becomes a hassle-free experience. The widespread availability of our centers ensures minimal inconvenience for employers and individuals seeking testing services. Our locations are strategically placed for quick and easy access, streamlining the testing process thoroughly.
The hair follicle testing process in Curtis, NE, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, the process guarantees privacy at every step. Clients are assured of their privacy and the simplicity of the procedure, reinforcing trust and promoting ease of use.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, our hair follicle testing in Curtis, NE, delivers great value. Companies can enjoy cost-effective solutions that do not compromise on quality or speed. Such affordability paired with promptness ensures companies of all sizes can benefit from our services without straining their budgets.
The hair follicle drug test offers quick and precise results in Curtis, NE, proving superior in accuracy for substance detection. This method's speed and reliability ensure that employers can make informed decisions promptly. The precise nature of hair testing covers a comprehensive spectrum of drug substances, providing invaluable data backed by scientifically validated methods.
Employers in Curtis, NE, can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies by adopting hair follicle testing. This method enhances organizational safety standards by reducing the risk of legal complications. Thus, employers can maintain peace of mind knowing that they are compliant with regulations while promoting a safer workplace environment.