Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive timeline of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can present up to a roughly 3-month period of detection for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and easy for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, extensions, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for processing drug test results in the laboratory involves four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample's initial incorporation into a laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. While it is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, any favorable screen must be confirmed to be acceptable in legal settings. Any samples that test positive during Screening require additional verification.
Should a sample appear positive in the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug screening ranks as the most intricate methodology.
Confirming any positive screening result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is checked under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the hair follicle below the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests in Howells, NE, hair testing stands out. The extended detection window offers a superior accuracy range for identifying drug usage, making it more reliable than traditional urine tests for comprehensive substance history analysis.
Hair follicle testing is quite beneficial in Howells, NE, when considering its extensive detection window, which spans up to 90 days. This provides employers with a detailed account of substance use, allowing for informed decisions regarding potential or current employees.
In Howells, NE, hair follicle tests demonstrate a tamper-resistant nature, significantly minimizing adulteration risks and ensuring trustworthy results. This method serves as a reliable approach for businesses and individuals requiring conclusive drug test outcomes.
The accessibility of testing centers in Howells, NE, is a significant advantage, supported by our expansive network. This wide reach ensures quick and seamless access to testing services, enhancing convenience for individuals seeking drug tests.
Our process in Howells, NE is straightforward and discreet. From ordering to obtaining results, every step is designed to safeguard user privacy and comfort, allowing an effortless experience in drug screening procedures.
Cost-effective pricing models coupled with rapid turnaround times characterize our offerings in Howells, NE. This combination allows companies of all sizes to secure reliable drug testing services without financial strain, making it a valuable choice for employers.
For those in Howells, NE, hair follicle drug testing offers a swift, precise solution. Its high level of accuracy reliably detects various substances, ensuring users can trust the results. The process is efficient and produces results swiftly, making it the preferred method for discerning drug use effectively.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Howells, NE, ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only minimizes legal risks but also strengthens workplace safety, offering employers peace of mind in maintaining a secure work environment.