Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand’s fibers. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection range of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
Acquiring a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, considered the optimal sample for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the preliminary handling of a sample within the lab’s framework. This process ensures the sample is sealed and transported correctly, generates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any needed data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for potential drug use. While cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen result requires confirmation to be legally valid. All samples that indicate potential positives in Screening require secondary verification.
Should a sample show potential positives during Screening, more hair from the original specimen undergoes preparation for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are isolated from hair in lower concentrations than seen in alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluids), underscoring why hair drug testing is the most complex method to execute.
The confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Every presumptive positive sample is washed prior to confirmation when necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outshines Urine Testing in Richland, NE
Choosing hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests brings numerous advantages. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability, making it a preferred choice for employers and legal entities in Richland, Nebraska, seeking comprehensive assessments of substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Richland, NE
Hair follicle testing offers a broader view, detecting drug use over a 90-day window. In Richland, Nebraska, this extended period provides a detailed record of an individual’s substance history, crucial for employers looking to understand an applicant's or employee's past behavior.
Reduced Tampering Risk in Richland, NE
In Richland, Nebraska, hair follicle tests significantly minimize the risk of sample adulteration. The method is resistant to tampering, providing reliable and verifiable results, ensuring that the integrity of the testing process is maintained throughout.
Convenient Testing Locations in Richland, NE
Richland, Nebraska benefits from the convenience of our nationwide testing centers, ensuring that accessing these crucial services is quick and hassle-free. We make drug testing easy by offering numerous local options to meet your needs swiftly.
Simple and Private Testing in Richland, NE
In Richland, Nebraska, we maintain a streamlined and confidential testing process. Ordering, conducting, and receiving test results is handled with the utmost privacy and ease, addressing any privacy concerns while ensuring simplicity and efficiency.
Affordable Testing Solutions in Richland, NE
Our competitive pricing in Richland, Nebraska, ensures companies of all sizes receive excellent value and rapid results. We offer fast turnaround times and affordable services, providing peace of mind without compromising quality.
Precision and Speed in Richland, NE
Hair follicle drug tests stand out by providing fast, accurate results. In Richland, Nebraska, they are known for high precision, detecting substance use more effectively than other methods. This testing offers quick turnaround times, helping employers make informed decisions efficiently.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety in Richland, NE
Employers in Richland, Nebraska, can rely on hair follicle testing to uphold drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and promotes workplace safety, offering peace of mind while ensuring compliance with company and regulatory standards.
