Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, it can provide a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
An ideal sample for both screening and confirmation is a 1.5-inch section consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil), yielding 100mg of hair. For tests such as EtG, additional panels, or tests greater than ten panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other hair types, such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid check for substances of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result in Screening needs confirmation to be valid in legal settings. A confirmatory step is necessary for any samples that are presumptive positives.
During the Screening stage, if a sample appears positive, extra hair is drawn from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any presumptive positive result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Needed samples are washed before confirmation. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The test, often called a "hair follicle test," specifically examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair testing in Ericson, NE, offers distinct advantages over urine testing. Hair follicle tests provide superior detection capabilities, highlighting substance use over a longer span. While urine tests are common, hair tests deliver more reliable and accurate results. The hair's ability to hold drug indicators longer ensures a comprehensive assessment of an individual's history, making it a powerful tool.
Ericson, NE, benefits from hair follicle tests' extended detection period, tracking drug use for up to 90 days. This method gives employers a thorough insight into an applicant's or employee's past substance use, which is unmatched by other testing types. With this long detection window, organizations can ensure a drug-free environment.
Hair follicle testing in Ericson, NE, diminishes the risk of sample tampering considerably. The method's design prevents adulteration, ensuring results remain reliable and indisputable. This type of testing guarantees accuracy, making it the preferred choice for organizations enhancing their screening processes.
In Ericson, NE, our vast network of testing centers ensures easy access to hair follicle tests. With facilities nationwide, clients benefit from quick, hassle-free service. This wide reach guarantees that whether local or nationwide, testing is accessible and convenient, catering to all clients' needs.
In Ericson, NE, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering tests, taking them, and receiving results is streamlined to maintain privacy and ease. This ensures clients feel secure and comfortable throughout, knowing their data and the process are managed discreetly.
Ericson, NE, offers hair follicle drug testing at competitive prices with swift turnaround times. Companies receive excellent value with affordable pricing, ensuring budget constraints are met without sacrificing on quality. The quick processing and delivery of results provide both cost-efficiency and peace of mind.
In Ericson, NE, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering rapid, accurate results. These tests stand out due to their precision, pinpointing even minute traces of substances. The speed at which results are returned doesn't compromise their accuracy. Hair testing excels in identifying substance use, ensuring reliability and timely results, which are crucial for decision-making in various domains.
Using hair follicle testing in Ericson, NE, aids employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method minimizes legal risks and promotes a safe work environment. Adopting such reliable tests brings peace of mind, ensuring organizations uphold safety standards and meet regulatory requirements.
