Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Over time, hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands encapsulate biomarkers, offering a prolonged record of substance use as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair testing can reveal drugs and alcohol use within a period of up to three months. Moreover, hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil diameter) near the scalp provides approximately 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, additional tests, or more than 10-panel tests, a 150mg sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing is advisable. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, the equivalent amount of body hair should be collected. The term head hair exclusively refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of laboratory analysis in a drug test consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning corresponds to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s database. This phase ensures the sample is properly sealed and sent, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and involves inputting extra data absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial, rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening serves as a cost-efficient means to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive finding in Screening necessitates further confirmation to be deemed valid in legal proceedings. Presumptive positives from Screening must undergo additional verification.
Upon a sample showing a presumptive positive in Screening, further hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower intensities compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), which is why conducting hair drug screening is notably challenging.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized in accordance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the accreditation standards of ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle under the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Shubert, NE
When comparing drug testing methods, hair follicle tests stand out for their superior accuracy and reliability, offering clear advantages over traditional urine tests. In Shubert, NE, these tests provide comprehensive detection capabilities, reducing the risk of false negatives and ensuring a more dependable screening process for all involved parties.
Extended Detection Window in Shubert, NE
Hair follicle testing is invaluable in Shubert, NE, due to its extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This provides employers with a detailed overview of an individual's drug use history. By capturing a broader timeline of substance use, it aids in making informed decisions regarding employment status and workplace safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Shubert, NE
One of the key strengths of hair follicle testing in Shubert, NE, is its resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods, these tests significantly minimize the likelihood of sample adulteration, providing consistent and incontrovertible results that stakeholders can trust, ensuring the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Shubert, NE
With a network of testing centers nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled convenience. In Shubert, NE, residents and businesses benefit from swift, hassle-free access to testing services, underscoring the ease and efficiency of hair follicle drug testing. Local accessibility ensures a streamlined process for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Shubert, NE
The process for ordering and receiving hair follicle drug test results in Shubert, NE, is designed to be simple and confidential. Every step prioritizes user privacy, from order to outcome, offering peace of mind and an effortless experience. Confidentiality is maintained without compromising convenience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Shubert, NE
Providing competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround, hair follicle drug testing in Shubert, NE, offers exceptional value. Companies of all sizes benefit from affordable services without sacrificing efficiency, delivering financial savings and timely results that fortify their operational goals.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Shubert, NE
Hair follicle drug tests in Shubert, NE, excel in delivering rapid and precise results. Their superior accuracy ensures that substance use is detected effectively, providing peace of mind for employers and individuals alike. The testing method is designed to be swift, accommodating the needs of those who require quick and dependable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Shubert, NE
Utilizing hair follicle drug testing ensures compliance with stringent drug-free workplace policies in Shubert, NE. This not only mitigates legal risks but also fosters a safer working environment. Employers benefit from the assurance that they are upholding policy standards and protecting their workforce effectively.
