Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When cut close to the scalp, it can reveal up to a three-month timeline of drug and alcohol use. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively immune to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising around 200 hair strands (equivalent in diameter to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp will yield 100mg, the ideal sample size for initial testing and verification. For tests such as EtG and those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (including facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in processing a laboratory drug screen: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially integrated into the lab's system. This step verifies the sample's sealing and shipping integrity, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and encompasses any necessary data input not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening consists of an initial assessment for substances of abuse. Though cost-effective for eliminating drug usage in most cases, any positive findings through Screening must be confirmed to meet legal standards. Samples with presumptively positive outcomes in Screening require additional confirmation steps.
For samples that test positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and set aside for the Extraction phase. In this stage, substances are derived from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis one of the most complex procedures.
Confirmation for any positive screening findings is carried out with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples presumed positive undergo a cleaning process before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated based on both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing traditional urine tests to hair follicle testing in Lowell, NE, the latter emerges as superior because of its accuracy and reliability in drug detection. Hair tests offer an extensive detection window, making them far more efficient in identifying substance use. Unlike urine tests, hair testing minimizes false negatives and provides indisputable results, making it a preferred choice for many employers.
Hair follicle testing in Lowell, NE, boasts an unmatched detection window, identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This extended period allows employers and organizations to obtain a holistic view of an individual's substance use history, offering a more comprehensive background check. By leveraging this expansive timeframe, businesses can make better-informed decisions.
In Lowell, NE, the resilience of hair follicle tests against tampering provides assurance to stakeholders expecting reliable outcomes. The nature of these tests significantly mitigates the potential for sample adulteration. This reinforces the authenticity of results, making them nearly indisputable, an essential factor for organizations aiming for high standards.
In Lowell, NE, the accessibility of widespread testing centers simplifies the hair follicle testing process, providing stress-free testing services nationwide. This vast network ensures that scheduling and completing a drug test is quick and convenient, facilitating more efficient workforce management and timely completions.
The straightforward, confidential method for handling hair follicle testing in Lowell, NE, reassures individuals about their privacy and ease of usage. The process from ordering to receiving results is seamless, ensuring participants do not encounter complications or concerns about discretion, bolstering confidence in the procedure.
In Lowell, NE, the competitive pricing of hair follicle testing is complemented by a speedy turnaround, offering excellent value for businesses of all sizes. This combination ensures that companies not only receive accurate results quickly but also benefit from cost-effective testing solutions, bringing peace of mind and financial relief.
In Lowell, NE, hair follicle drug tests deliver incredibly reliable and prompt results, with an exceptional capability in identifying drug use. The unmatched precision offered by this testing method ensures that results are trustworthy and accurate. When individuals seek certainty regarding substance use, hair follicle testing consistently stands out for its effectiveness in delivering timely and definitive outcomes.
Employers in Lowell, NE, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, which guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method lowers legal exposure and enhances safety by presenting true drug use histories. By adopting hair testing, companies maintain compliance with policy requirements, fostering a safer work environment.
