Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives a long-duration record of substances by embedding markers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair is cut near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use for a period of up to 3 months. It is easy to collect hair samples, difficult to tamper with them, and simple to transport.
A sample of around 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hairs (similar to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, extra tests, or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is suggested for measuring the specimen's weight. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The four major procedures in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning focuses on the initial intake of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This process ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any missing data entry that the electronic chain of custody system doesn’t handle.
Screening performs an initial rapid evaluation for illicit drugs. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug presence in most samples, any positive findings require confirmation for legal acceptability. All samples with tentative positive results in Screening need secondary verification.
If a sample tests as tentatively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction preparation. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging techniques to execute.
Confirmation of any tentative positive screening is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All potential positive samples undergo washing as necessary before confirmation. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Tests often called "hair follicle tests" actually examine the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Hazard, NE, the superiority of hair follicle drug testing over urine testing is evident in various aspects. Hair testing can detect a broader range of substances over a longer time, delivering higher accuracy and unbeatable reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests are less prone to adulteration and offer a clearer view of an individual’s history of substance use, which is crucial for zero-tolerance policies.
Employers in Hazard, NE, favor hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window. Capable of tracing drug use up to 90 days, these tests provide a comprehensive overview of an applicant or employee's substance history. This extensive timeline allows companies to make better-informed decisions, ensuring a drug-free work environment with reliable historical insight into an individual's past substance use.
Hair follicle testing stands out in Hazard, NE, due to its tamper-resistant nature. By significantly lowering the chances of sample tampering, it provides credible and unquestionable results. This test eliminates tricks used in other testing methods, ensuring the reliability of outcomes. Such assurance is vital for maintaining integrity in the testing process, offering peace of mind to those requiring stringent compliance.
Accredited Drug Testing provides unparalleled convenience with numerous testing centers across the nation, including locations in Hazard, NE. Offering easy access to hair follicle testing services, individuals and companies alike benefit from a hassle-free process. This nationwide network ensures timely testing, accommodating both local and regional needs efficiently, making drug testing less burdensome.
In Hazard, NE, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step ensures privacy and ease. This method alleviates concerns about confidentiality, offering a seamless experience for users who prioritize discretion and simplicity in their drug testing services, contributing to stress-free compliance.
Accredited Drug Testing in Hazard, NE, is committed to providing affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times. Their competitive pricing structures fit businesses of all sizes, ensuring excellent value. Quick results enhance peace of mind, enabling employers to make prompt and informed decisions, fostering a culture of safety and reliability without straining budget constraints.
In Hazard, NE, hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its precision and swiftness. The advanced capability of these tests makes them highly reliable for detecting substance use. Offering fast and accurate results, hair follicle testing becomes the preferred choice for individuals and employers wanting a trustworthy assessment of drug use patterns. The high accuracy rate diminishes the likelihood of errors in test outcomes.
In Hazard, NE, ensuring compliance with workplace drug policies is crucial for employers. Hair follicle testing offers peace of mind by significantly reducing legal risks associated with non-compliance and reinforcing workplace safety. This method not only meets rigorous standards but also helps maintain a drug-free environment, bolstering productivity and trust within the workforce.
