Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows, hair offers an extended history of alcohol and other drug use. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to around 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in thickness to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and validation. For EtG, additional parameters, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the lab processing for a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample in a lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample's seal and proper shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs commonly abused. Although Screening is an economical approach for excluding drug use on most samples, a positive screen must be verified for court admissibility. All samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair at a concentration significantly lower than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any screening result that is positive is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oxford, NE
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers unmatched benefits in both detection precision and reliability. While urine tests detect recent use, hair tests go back 90 days, making them a superior choice for employers needing accurate, comprehensive insights into substance habits.
Extended Detection Window in Oxford, NE
Hair follicle testing offers a longer detection window—up to 90 days—giving employers a fuller view of an individual’s substance use history. This extended timeframe surpasses traditional methods, enabling more informed decisions by analyzing long-term patterns of drug use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oxford, NE
Hair follicle testing drastically reduces risks of tampering, as samples are difficult to adulterate. The method ensures that results remain reliable and trustworthy, providing an essential safeguard against deceptive practices often found in other testing methods.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oxford, NE
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide guarantees easy access to testing services. Whether in Oxford or elsewhere, experiencing quick, hassle-free drug testing is simple, with centers strategically located to meet client needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Oxford, NE
Our streamlined process ensures ease and confidentiality from order through to receiving results. Clients can expect a straightforward experience that prioritizes privacy, addressing common apprehensions around drug testing procedures.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oxford, NE
We offer competitive pricing with fast turnaround times, delivering excellent value for businesses of any scale. Our affordable solutions provide peace of mind and quality service without compromising on efficiency or cost-effectiveness.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oxford, NE
Hair follicle tests provide unmatched precision in detecting substance use. The process not only detects a wide array of substances but does so with incredible speed and reliability. With results you can trust, you gain clarity in understanding substance use histories, ensuring informed decisions based on accurate data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oxford, NE
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating potential legal and safety risks. This approach aids businesses in maintaining compliance while fostering a safer work environment.
