Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures and retains biomarkers within its fibers, offering a prolonged detection history for substances. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use within a roughly 3-month timeframe for both alcohol and drugs. This type of sample is easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, with approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) taken nearest the scalp, provides 100mg—ideal for screening and verification. For tests like EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for specimen measurement. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of hair drug test results involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This stage involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data inputs not covered by an electronic chain of custody format.
Screening provides an initial cursory assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in the majority of samples, a positive outcome must be verified to hold up in legal proceedings. All samples testing presumptively positive during Screening are subject to further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is withdrawn from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are retrieved from hair at concentrations lower than in other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug assessment one of the most challenging to perform.
Verification of a positive screening is accomplished by GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle within the scalp.
In Lyons, NE, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing in numerous ways. One of the primary benefits is its superior detection accuracy and reliability over longer periods. Unlike urine tests, which might miss recent drug use, hair tests offer a comprehensive analysis.
Many organizations now prefer hair testing over urine due to its enhanced detection window and the difficulty in manipulating results. This method provides a broader timespan of substance detection, proving to be a more reliable indicator of habitual drug use.
Lyons, NE, benefits from hair follicle testing thanks to its extended detection window. Capable of detecting drug use for up to 90 days, this method offers employers a thorough view of an individual’s substance habits.
This comprehensive testing approach allows businesses to better understand potential risks based on an applicant or employee's long-term substance history, providing an edge in maintaining a drug-free environment.
In Lyons, NE, hair follicle testing is admired for its tamper-resistant characteristics. The robustness of this testing method means it significantly reduces the likelihood of adulteration, ensuring results are reliable and trustworthy.
This method provides peace of mind, knowing that attempts to manipulate test outcomes are unlikely to succeed, hence offering valid results that stand up to scrutiny.
With convenient testing locations nationwide, including Lyons, NE, accessing hair follicle testing services has never been easier. Accredited Drug Testing ensures a smooth and stress-free experience with test centers located strategically for quick access.
The widespread availability of testing centers allows for streamlined service, catering to both local and national needs promptly, facilitating an efficient testing process for all.
The hair follicle testing process in Lyons, NE, is both simple and confidential, enabling individuals to handle their testing needs with ease and privacy. From the moment of order to receiving results, the process remains straightforward.
Respecting individual privacy, tests are conducted and processed discreetly, ensuring confidentiality throughout. This secure process supports users in maintaining control over their testing experience.
In Lyons, NE, hair follicle testing offers affordability and swift turnaround times, delivering excellent value for companies regardless of size. These competitive pricing strategies underscore the cost-effectiveness of choosing hair testing.
The balance between economical pricing and rapid delivery of results ensures that businesses can operate efficiently, knowing they receive value-laden services that align with their timeframe needs.
In Lyons, NE, hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched precision and speed, delivering quick and accurate results that can detect substance use reliably. Compared to other methods, this efficient testing not only ensures results delivered in an expedient manner but also upholds the highest standards of accuracy.
The accuracy and rapid turnaround of hair follicle testing provide both individuals and employers with the assurance that they are getting a true representation of substance use patterns. This level of precision makes it an essential tool for critical decision-making processes.
Employers in Lyons, NE, experience peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. The rigorous standards of hair testing aid in mitigating legal risks while enhancing overall workplace safety.
By implementing hair follicle tests, employers can rest assured that their compliance with substance policies is maintained, thus fostering a secure and serene work environment.
