Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drug intake by embedding markers within the fibers of the hair shaft. When harvested close to the scalp, hair presents roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and narcotics. Hair is easy to collect, comparatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We advocate using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not accessible, a corresponding amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the primary processing of a sample within a lab’s framework. This encompasses confirming that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid examination for drugs of misuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive outcome needs verification to be valid in court. Any samples that appear positive in Screening necessitate a further confirmation.
If a sample seems positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at a diminished concentration level compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is the most complex method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing prior to verification when required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Verification is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination itself assesses the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In Scottsbluff, NE, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing due to its extended detection capability. Unlike traditional urine tests, which only capture recent drug use, hair follicle testing reveals a broader usage history up to 90 days. This provides a more comprehensive view of substance use patterns, aiding employers and legal authorities in making informed decisions. The accuracy and reliability of hair testing make it a superior choice for thorough assessments.
With a detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Scottsbluff, NE offers unparalleled insight into an individual's substance use history. This method outperforms shorter-term tests by providing a detailed overview of an applicant or employee's drug usage. Employers benefit from this extended detection range by gaining a deeper understanding of their workforce's substance habits, thus enhancing workplace safety and decision-making processes.
The robustness of hair follicle testing in Scottsbluff, NE lies in its resistance to tampering. Unlike urine tests, which can be susceptible to adulteration, hair tests offer nearly foolproof results. This reliability ensures that the data collected is trustworthy and verifiable. As a result, employers and authorities can rest assured that the outcomes reflect the genuine substance history of the individuals tested, maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Residents of Scottsbluff, NE benefit from convenient national testing locations through our services. With testing centers strategically positioned nationwide, obtaining hair follicle drug testing becomes swift and straightforward. Individuals and employers can enjoy hassle-free access to high-quality testing services, ensuring quick and seamless testing processes without the need for extensive travel, thus enhancing ease and efficiency.
In Scottsbluff, NE, the process of hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From the initial order to receiving results, the focus is on privacy and ease of use. This seamless process ensures individuals feel secure and reassured throughout their testing journey. By prioritizing confidentiality and simplicity, the barriers to effective drug testing are minimized, empowering users to take control of their health information without concern.
Offering competitive prices and quick turnaround in Scottsbluff, NE, our hair follicle testing services deliver exceptional value. Businesses of all sizes can take advantage of our cost-effective pricing while benefiting from swift result delivery. By providing fast yet affordable testing solutions, companies can ensure compliance and protect their workforce, all without compromising on their budget or timeline, gaining reliable results promptly.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing in Scottsbluff, NE are unparalleled. Hair tests offer high accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring rapid and reliable results. The meticulous approach to analyzing hair samples enhances trust among employers and individuals looking for precise information about past drug use. In this process, efficiency doesn't compromise accuracy, making hair testing a cornerstone of reliable drug detection.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Scottsbluff, NE aids employers in safeguarding compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By reducing the risk of legal liabilities and promoting a safe work environment, this testing method fosters peace of mind. Employers can confidently rely on hair testing as a means to uphold their policies, knowing it provides a robust framework for maintaining a productive and secure workplace, free from substance misuse.
