Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand, hair offers an extensive record of alcohol and drug usage. When sourced from a spot close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a corresponding amount of body hair is acceptable. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair refers to all other kinds (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for processing a drug test result includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially registered within a laboratory's system. This step includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and transported, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any missing data that wasn't captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening signifies a preliminary rapid test for substances of abuse. While Screening provides a budget-friendly means to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for court acceptability. Samples that are tentatively positive during Screening mandate a follow-up confirmation.
Samples identified as potentially positive in Screening proceed to the Extraction phase, where additional hair is extracted from the initial sample. In this process, drugs are isolated from the hair in far lesser concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging technique to execute.
Any positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to Confirmation, all tentative positive samples undergo necessary washing. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed in compliance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests", however, the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Grafton, NE, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. With a longer detection window, hair tests can effectively track substance use over a three-month period. This is a crucial advantage for entities emphasizing effective and reliable substance monitoring, ensuring a deeper insight into an individual's substance history compared to the limited timeframe of urine tests.
The extensive detection window of hair follicle tests in Grafton, NE, offers a significant advantage for employers. By detecting drug use over as much as 90 days, these tests provide a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee’s substance use history. This knowledge is invaluable for making informed hiring decisions and maintaining workplace safety, as it offers a comprehensive view beyond recent usage.
One compelling aspect of hair follicle testing in Grafton, NE, is its tamper-resistant nature. The testing method minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, which is a common concern with other testing methods. By ensuring that results are genuine and reliable, these tests offer assurance to employers and legal authorities that the samples reflect true substance use, without the interference of tampering tactics.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience for those in Grafton, NE, with our widespread testing centers across the nation. Whether locally or across the country, our quick and hassle-free access to testing centers allows individuals and employers to easily schedule and perform necessary drug tests. This extensive network facilitates easy engagement with our dependable services.
In Grafton, NE, our drug testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, individuals can be assured of their privacy at every step. This straightforward approach is designed to be user-friendly, allowing for ease of use while maintaining the confidentiality essential to client trust and satisfaction.
In Grafton, NE, our hair follicle testing services offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. We showcase competitive pricing structures to accommodate companies of all sizes, ensuring excellent value. The combination of cost-effectiveness and speedy results provides companies with not just quality, but also peace of mind, knowing they have made a wise choice in their testing solutions.
Hair follicle drug tests in Grafton, NE, stand out for their speed and accuracy in delivering results. The testing process is streamlined for fast turnaround, offering reliable detection of substance use. This approach ensures that precision is maintained, providing a comprehensive picture of individual substance use without delays, crucial for decision-making processes for employers and legal entities alike.
For employers in Grafton, NE, hair follicle drug testing not only ensures compliance with drug-free policies but also enhances workplace safety. By reducing potential legal risks associated with non-compliance, employers can maintain peace of mind. This type of testing helps safeguard the work environment, aligning with the organization's commitment to a safe and productive workplace.
