Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing is recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a prolonged timeline of alcohol and other substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to around three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample, consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, amounts to 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be collected. Referencing head hair implies scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This encompasses verifying the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a primary swift inspection for substance abuse. Even though Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen requires authentication to be court-acceptable. All samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening mandate a secondary confirmation.
When a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Within this phase, drugs are separated from hair at a substantially lower concentration than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening findings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entirety of the laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine testing in Elm Creek, NE, it becomes clear that hair testing offers superior detection accuracy. Hair testing is less prone to manipulation and provides a more reliable analysis.
The broader detection window of hair tests makes them a preferred choice for employers seeking thorough substance use evaluations, making them more dependable than standard urine tests.
hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days in Elm Creek, NE, unlike other testing methods. This prolonged detection span gives employers an extensive look into an individual's substance history.
With the ability to detect drugs for three months, hair follicle tests offer a substantial advantage for profiling drug use patterns, giving employers comprehensive data to rely on in decision-making processes.
Hair follicle tests in Elm Creek, NE, significantly lessen the risk of sample adulteration. Their tamper-resistant nature ensures that results are reliable and unambiguous.
Such properties reinforce the trustworthiness of hair testing, offering peace of mind to both employers and professionals concerned with accurate substance detection.
Elm Creek, NE, boasts convenient access to nationwide and local testing centers, simplifying the process for clients. Our strategically located facilities ensure testing is easily accessible and hassle-free.
These widespread locations, coupled with efficient services, mean swift and simple drug testing procedures for those in Elm Creek and beyond, enhancing overall satisfaction.
In Elm Creek, NE, the process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is simple and confidential. Our streamlined practices address privacy concerns.
The ease with which individuals can engage in this testing process ensures maximum convenience and accuracy, assuring complete confidentiality throughout.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, drug testing in Elm Creek, NE, delivers excellent value for companies of all sizes. Our efficient service ensures quick results.
This combination of affordability and rapid service allows businesses to stay on top of their responsibilities without excessive costs or delays, fostering good practice and peace of mind.
In Elm Creek, NE, hair follicle drug tests are known for their speed, accuracy, and reliability in detecting substance use. These tests provide precise results quickly, helping employers make informed decisions.
The efficiency of hair follicle tests ensures that accurate results reflect the individual's drug use history, eliminating doubts and ensuring that the right choices are made for workplace safety and compliance.
Employers in Elm Creek, NE, gain valuable compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. It guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and promoting a safer work environment.
Using such reliable testing methods allows employers to confidently enforce regulations and standards of conduct, enhancing overall workplace integrity and security.
