Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as a potent technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Through the incorporation of biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand, hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drugs. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to gather, fairly resistant to tampering, and easy to dispatch.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for measurement is recommended. When scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair might be collected. References to head hair pertain to scalp hair exclusively, while body hair refers to all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential steps in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This step entails confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid evaluation for substance abuse. Though cost-efficient for negating drug use across most specimens, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples signaling a presumptively positive result in Screening need further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptively positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this process, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower levels than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening as the most challenging procedure.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation, as applicable. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized adhering to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Emerson, NE
In Emerson, opting for hair testing ensures higher reliability and accuracy, ensuring a drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window in Emerson, NE
Such extensive coverage proves advantageous for businesses looking for detailed substance use histories.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Emerson, NE
For Emerson-based employers, this translates to having trust in the accuracy and integrity of the drug testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Emerson, NE
Such availability ensures ease for clients by offering testing solutions wherever they are.
Simple, Confidential Process in Emerson, NE
This approach addresses concerns around privacy and service usability, making the experience hassle-free.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Emerson, NE
For companies of all sizes in Emerson, this presents an excellent balance of cost-efficiency and quality assurance.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Emerson, NE
By utilizing hair testing methods, organizations in Emerson can confidently rely on the test outcomes, enhancing their drug screening protocols.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Emerson, NE
Utilizing hair testing grants peace of mind, knowing that protocols are met and employees are adhering to company standards.