Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a record keeper of alcohol and other drug use by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a retrospective detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the dimension of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advised. Measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale is suggested. In cases where scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be utilized. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory system. It involves ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry required not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient technique to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be considered valid in legal contexts. Samples that yield a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample present a presumptive positive outcome during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to perform.
Positive screening confirmations are executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples exhibiting presumptive positivity undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is subject to scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself and not the hair follicle below the scalp.
In Norman, NE, hair follicle drug testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. While urine tests are common, hair testing delivers superior detection accuracy, especially over extended periods. This method not only uncovers substance use effectively but also provides reliability that cannot be matched by urine tests, helping stakeholders make informed decisions.
The value of hair follicle tests in Norman, NE lies in their ability to reveal drug use over a prolonged timeframe—up to 90 days. This expanded detection window gives employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, which is crucial when assessing potential hires or monitoring current employees for compliance. It offers an unmatched scope compared to other testing methods.
In Norman, NE, hair follicle testing stands out as a robust defense against tampering. Given their nature, hair samples are much more challenging to adulterate than other testing types, ensuring the integrity of the results. This reliability grants employers peace of mind, knowing they can depend on the authenticity of the test outcomes.
Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled convenience with numerous testing sites in Norman, NE and nationwide. Our expansive network ensures that drug testing services are locally accessible, facilitating a seamless experience for those in need. This accessibility allows for quick, hassle-free appointments that cater to both individual and corporate clients.
For residents of Norman, NE, hair follicle drug testing is not only straightforward but also confidential. Our process ensures privacy while maintaining ease of ordering, sample collection, and result retrieval. Whether for personal or professional reasons, our services respect your discretion, making the experience as stress-free as possible.
In Norman, NE, our competitive pricing for hair follicle testing combines with rapid turnaround times, providing exceptional value. This approach benefits businesses of all sizes, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining drug-free environments without incurring excessive costs. Affordable excellence is what we strive to deliver, ensuring peace of mind for our clients.
Norman, NE embraces the fast and precise nature of hair follicle drug testing. This technique is renowned for its accuracy in detecting substances, surpassing other methods in reliability. Employers and individuals seeking trusted results often choose hair follicle testing for its swift turnaround and dependable outcomes, providing clarity in situations where precision is essential.
Facilitating workplace safety, hair follicle testing in Norman, NE helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal risks and enhancing organizational safety, these tests not only protect businesses but also foster a culture of trust and well-being, providing peace of mind for employers committed to maintaining a secure environment.
