Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a strong method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substance intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can suggest up to a 3-month timeframe for alcohol and drug detection. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, extra panels, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable quantity of body hair might be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample enters the laboratory system. It involves ensuring the sample is securely sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment to detect substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be considered valid in court. All presumptive positive samples in Screening mandate additional confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging technique to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS carries out the Confirmation of any positive Screen. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed if needed. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests," the examination focuses on the hair strand itself, excluding the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oshkosh, NE
Hair testing outperforms traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide an extended detection window and are less susceptible to tampering, making them a more dependable choice for users and employers alike.
Extended Detection Window in Oshkosh, NE
Hair follicle testing offers up to a 90-day detection period, far surpassing other methods. This comprehensive timeframe gives employers a clearer picture of an individual's substance use history, offering peace of mind when making critical employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oshkosh, NE
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the possibility of sample adulteration. This integrity ensures that results remain reliable and trustworthy, providing an accurate reflection of drug use without the risk of cheating, unlike urine tests.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oshkosh, NE
With a network of testing centers across the nation, including Oshkosh, accessing testing services is seamless. Users can benefit from quick and hassle-free procedures, enhancing overall convenience and efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process in Oshkosh, NE
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and respects privacy. From ordering to test-taking and receiving results, every step is designed to ensure confidentiality and ease, making it an ideal solution for sensitive situations.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oshkosh, NE
Offering competitive prices and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing presents an excellent value proposition for businesses large and small. These advantages contribute to cost efficiency while ensuring timely and reliable results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oshkosh, NE
Hair follicle drug tests deliver precise and swift results, boasting unparalleled accuracy in identifying substance use. This method shines in its ability to provide clear, dependable outcomes, ensuring that decisions based on these tests are well-informed and trustworthy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oshkosh, NE
Utilizing hair follicle testing aids in maintaining adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This not only mitigates legal risks but also bolsters workplace safety, ensuring a secure and compliant environment for all employees.