Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a timeline of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. In discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing process entails four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the primary step of integrating a sample into the laboratory's system, ensuring the sample was securely sealed and transported, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any further data input not available through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid examination for drug presence. Although Screening is efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making this process particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screen outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as required. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outshines Urine Analysis
In Kimball, NE, hair follicle tests outperform traditional urine tests by offering superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine analysis, hair testing provides a broad spectrum of detection, capturing drug usage patterns up to 90 days. This comprehensive look ensures employers and legal professionals make informed decisions, thus preventing potential safety risks.
Extended Detection Period of Hair Testing
Employers in Kimball, NE, benefit significantly from the extended detection window of hair follicle tests, capable of identifying drug use over 90 days. This prolonged tracking gives a clearer view into a person's substance history, crucial for assessing long-term patterns of drug use and maintaining a secure and compliant workplace environment.
Minimizing Sample Tampering Risk
Hair follicle drug testing in Kimball, NE, significantly reduces the possibility of altering samples, ensuring reliable and unquestionable outcomes. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are less susceptible to adulteration, offering confidence in the integrity of the testing process and assuring stakeholders of its dependability.
Nationwide and Local Testing Access
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience with its widespread testing facilities, including accessible locations in Kimball, NE. This vast network allows for swift, uncomplicated testing processes, helping individuals and companies meet their testing needs easily and efficiently across the nation.
Simplified and Confidential Testing
The hair follicle testing process in Kimball, NE is designed to be effortless and private. Ordering, sample collection, and receiving results are streamlined steps, ensuring confidentiality and addressing concerns about privacy. The straightforward procedure makes it accessible without compromising on the security of personal information.
Competitive Pricing with Quick Results
Our services in Kimball, NE emphasize cost-effectiveness with competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests. This combination provides excellent value, allowing businesses of all sizes to afford the assurance and peace of mind required for maintaining a drug-free environment economically and swiftly.
Precision and Speed in Hair Testing
In Kimball, NE, hair follicle drug testing offers quick and precise results, ensuring high accuracy in identifying substance use. This method provides reliable information for both recent and past drug habits, and its rapid processing allows for efficient decision-making regarding employment or legal matters.
Hair testing eliminates the guesswork and delivers timely outcomes, aiding in maintaining a productive and safe environment.
Assuring Compliance and Workplace Safety
In Kimball, NE, utilizing hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, thus cutting down on legal liabilities. This dependable method enhances overall workplace safety and provides greater peace of mind by ensuring employees comply with regulations, fostering a healthier work environment.
