Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a highly effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a historical record for alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over a span of about three months. It is straightforward to collect hair samples, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hairs (approximating the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, a 150mg amount of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, the equivalent amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Highlights
The lab processing of a drug test involves four major stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial entry of a specimen into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary additional information typically not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary evaluation for drug residues. While it’s an economical way to dismiss drug usage in the majority of cases, any positive result needs further validation for court acceptance. Presumptive positives from Screening must undergo follow-up confirmation.
If the Screening phase indicates a presumptive positive, more hair is obtained from the initial collection for further Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair in much lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluids, underscoring the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Positive findings from Screening are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All presumptively positive samples undergo a pre-confirmation wash as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Merits of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Plymouth, NE, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine testing in various ways. Longer Detection: Unlike urine tests, hair tests reveal a history of substance use up to 90 days back, offering a comprehensive view. Reliability: Hair tests are much harder to manipulate than urine tests, ensuring trustworthy outcomes. Accuracy: They detect a broader spectrum of substances, making them a superior choice for employers committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace.
One distinct advantage of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. In Plymouth, NE, employers benefit from a system offering a 90-day detection period, far exceeding the capacity of urine tests. This extended window allows a deeper insight into an applicant’s or employee’s substance use, enhancing the capacity to make informed hiring or retention decisions. Such comprehensive screening is invaluable for maintaining workplace safety and integrity.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing is a key advantage for organizations in Plymouth, NE. Secure Samples: Unlike urine samples, hair samples are far less susceptible to adulteration, ensuring that results are trustworthy and authentic. The collection procedure, conducted under observation, significantly minimizes any chances of tampering, making it an unparalleled solution for reliable drug testing in workplace environments.
Our extensive nationwide network ensures easy access to drug testing facilities in Plymouth, NE. Convenience: With local and nationwide centers, we provide quick and hassle-free access to testing services. This widespread availability means less travel and a more straightforward testing process, ensuring that individuals and organizations can meet their testing needs efficiently and promptly without logistic hurdles.
The hair testing process in Plymouth, NE, is simple and confidential. Easy Process: Ordering, taking, and receiving hair test results are straightforward, ensuring little stress or confusion. Privacy: Our procedures prioritize confidentiality, so individuals can trust that their information is secure and protected throughout the testing process. Ease of access to results further ensures a stress-free experience.
We offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround for drug testing in Plymouth, NE. Value: Our pricing structures are designed to be affordable for businesses of any size, providing excellent cost efficiency. Quick Results: With prompt processing and delivery of results, companies can make timely hiring or compliance decisions, benefiting from both cost savings and operational efficiency.
Fast, precise, and reliable results are guaranteed with hair follicle testing in Plymouth, NE. Speed: Our testing centers are equipped to provide quick turnarounds, giving you the results you need promptly. Accuracy: Hair tests boast impressive accuracy in detecting drug use, leaving little room for error. Their thoroughness ensures that employers have dependable evidence of an individual's substance use history, fostering a safer work environment.
Employers in Plymouth, NE, gain compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. Adhering to Policies: Using this testing method supports strict adherence to drug-free workplace policies, crucial for maintaining legal and safety standards. By minimizing risks associated with drug use in the workplace, employers can protect their staff, reputation, and business operations, ultimately creating a safer and more productive environment.
