Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now acknowledged as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to nearly a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for analysis and validation. For EtG add-ons and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair is specifically concerning scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s framework. This step includes confirming the sample’s proper sealing and dispatch, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data procedures not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary swift assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is a budget-effective approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires validation to be legally admissible. Samples with a likely positive result in Screening demand a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample yields a likely positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), resulting in hair drug screening being the most complex methodology to undertake.
Positive screening results are validated via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the scalp's hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ruskin, NE: Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests through its superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses track substance use over longer durations and offer more comprehensive insights into an individual's drug history. This advantage assures organizations about maintaining their drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window in Ruskin, NE: Hair follicle testing uncovers drug use traces for up to 90 days, offering a thorough review of someone's substance use patterns. This extended detection window surpasses other testing forms, equipping employers with detailed drug use histories for their applicants or employees—an ideal choice for long-term evaluations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ruskin, NE: Hair follicle tests minimize the chance of sample tampering, ensuring results remain irrefutable and credible. Their inherent tamper-resistance guarantees correctness and integrity in results, protecting against sample adulteration and ensuring peace of mind for organizations prioritizing stringent testing protocols.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ruskin, NE: Our extensive network of testing centers across the country guarantees ease and expediency in accessing drug testing services. Locally available in Ruskin, NE, these locations offer convenient access without the hassle, supporting businesses and individuals in securing necessary test services effortlessly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ruskin, NE: The process of ordering, executing, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and secure. Addressing confidentiality concerns, this testing option ensures privacy while providing easy-to-follow steps for individuals and businesses alike, enhancing user experience through simplicity and discretion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ruskin, NE: Offering competitive rates and a swift response time, our services deliver outstanding value to companies of varying sizes. Fast result delivery coupled with attractive pricing underscores our commitment to providing businesses with efficient, cost-effective drug testing solutions, buoyed by reliability and speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ruskin, NE: Hair follicle testing ensures swift and precise detection, providing confidence in determining substance exposure histories. This method stands out for its rapid analysis and dependable results, empowering employers to make informed decisions promptly. Aiding workplaces in maintaining standards, this technique's speed and accuracy remain unmatched.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ruskin, NE: Implementing hair follicle tests ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, diminishing legal liabilities and safeguarding workplace environments. This testing approach assures employers of policy compliance, fostering a safe and productive work atmosphere and reducing potential legal exposure.
