Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has evolved into a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and various drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When gathered next to the scalp, hair can present up to an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. It is straightforward to collect hair, relatively challenging to alter, and uncomplicated to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the standard sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent portion of body hair might be collected. When we mention head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This task includes verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient approach to primarily rule out drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to ensure admissibility in court. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening indeed require further confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than in alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging methodology to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive result from screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS procedures. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Richfield, NE: When comparing hair testing to traditional urine tests, hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests may detect recent substance use, hair follicle testing provides a broader overview of an individual's drug history, making it a more comprehensive solution for employers and other entities seeking to enforce zero-tolerance policies.
Extended Detection Window in Richfield, NE: Hair follicle testing excels in offering a detection window of up to 90 days, far surpassing that of urine tests. This feature gives employers an extensive account of an individual’s substance history, aiding in making informed decisions about potential or current employees. This extended detection period is ideal for maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Richfield, NE: A significant advantage of hair follicle drug tests is their resistance to adulteration. Unlike urine samples, which can be easily tampered with, the results from a hair test are credible and nearly impossible to alter, offering employers and officials confidence in the test's validity and ensuring that the results are indisputable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Richfield, NE: Accredited Drug Testing guarantees hassle-free and efficient access to drug testing services with convenient testing centers nationwide, including Richfield, NE. Our widespread network ensures that scheduling a test is straightforward and accessible, catering to the needs of businesses and individuals alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Richfield, NE: The process for ordering, conducting, and obtaining results from hair follicle tests is designed to be uncomplicated and private. Addressing privacy concerns, our method ensures that clients in Richfield, NE, experience a seamless and discreet testing experience, enhancing user confidence and satisfaction.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Richfield, NE: Our competitive pricing and rapid response times reinforce the value we offer to businesses of all sizes in Richfield, NE. By providing economic testing solutions without compromising quality, we ensure that companies benefit from cost-effective services, alongside confidence in timely and accurate results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Richfield, NE: The efficiency and precision of hair follicle drug tests are undeniable. With their high accuracy in detecting substance use, these tests provide quick and reliable results, revolutionizing how drug testing is conducted. Employers in Richfield, NE, can benefit from this advanced testing methodology, ensuring that they receive the most accurate evaluation of substance use behavior.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Richfield, NE: Utilizing hair follicle testing can secure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal liabilities and enhancing organizational safety. For employers in Richfield, NE, this testing method offers peace of mind and helps in maintaining a robust and compliant workforce, critical in high-risk industries.
