Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, hair can provide an approximate 3-month detection range for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, not easy to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
An ideal sample for testing involves a 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, which yields 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is ideal to collect 150mg. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement is advisable. Should scalp hair be lacking, a similar volume of body hair is acceptable. The term ‘head hair’ pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas ‘body hair’ covers all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The lab processing of a hair drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is first processed into a laboratory's system. This process involves confirming the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, receiving a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial brief examination for drugs of abuse. Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in the majority of cases, yet a positive screen must be validated to be permissible in court. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
When a sample appears presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is used from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are separated from hair at substantially lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening uniquely complex.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives are cleaned before undergoing confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair framework and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle found beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in North Platte, NE
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. This method guarantees superior detection accuracy due to its ability to uncover substance use over an extended period. Residents of North Platte, NE, find this approach particularly beneficial for thorough drug assessments, providing a deeper insight into an individual's history.
Extended Detection Window in North Platte, NE
Hair follicle testing boasts an expansive detection window that reaches up to 90 days, offering a detailed view of an individual’s drug consumption history. For employers in North Platte, NE, this prolonged detection period ensures a comprehensive evaluation of substance use, aiding in thorough applicant and employee assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in North Platte, NE
Hair follicle testing in North Platte, NE, significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering. This method offers an unassailable testing procedure, ensuring that results are both reliable and difficult to contest. By choosing hair follicle tests, individuals and organizations can be confident in the authenticity of their results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in North Platte, NE
Regardless of where you are, our testing services are accessible nationwide, including local facilities in North Platte, NE. This extensive network ensures that getting tested is quick and stress-free, providing individuals and companies with hassle-free access to essential services.
Simple, Confidential Process in North Platte, NE
Conducting a drug test should not be complicated, and our process in North Platte, NE, ensures it isn’t. Our straightforward and discreet procedures respect privacy while delivering ease of use from ordering to obtaining results, giving individuals a seamless and confidential testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in North Platte, NE
In North Platte, NE, our services deliver not just speed but also affordability. We understand the need for competitive pricing without sacrificing quality or efficiency. Our reasonable cost structure and swift result delivery make our services an ideal choice for businesses seeking both value and reliability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in North Platte, NE
Hair follicle drug tests are unmatched in providing fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests not only offer precision in detecting substances but also ensure timely results. Whether it’s for personal or professional reasons, individuals in North Platte, NE, can trust the efficiency and accuracy of hair follicle testing to deliver dependable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in North Platte, NE
Employers in North Platte, NE, are assured compliance with workplace regulations by using hair follicle testing. This method aids in maintaining a drug-free environment, reducing legal challenges, and bolstering workplace safety. As a tool for assurance, it provides peace of mind through reliable, compliant testing solutions.
