Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs because it captures biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeline of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional panels, or over 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Summary
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome involves four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning relates to the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This step covers ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any further data input not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening encompasses a primary expedited evaluation for drug abuse. While Screening serves as an economical method to exclude drug usage for most samples, any positive screen must be substantiated for legal acceptability. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
For samples deemed tentatively positive at the Screening step, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much finer concentration than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging technique to implement.
The verification of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo a washing process before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Stamford, NE, hair follicle testing stands superior to traditional urine tests due to its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses offer a more consistent record of substance history.
The capability to uncover drug use over a longer span makes hair follicle tests a formidable alternative to urine testing, providing deeper insights.
With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Stamford, NE, offers a more comprehensive view of a subject's drug use history, surpassing the limitations of shorter-term methods.
This extensive coverage period is critical for employers who need a broader perspective on substance use over time, especially when evaluating potential hires.
The reliability of hair follicle testing is underscored by its tamper-resistant nature in Stamford, NE. This method significantly curtails sample adulteration risks, ensuring the integrity of results.
The secure testing process diminishes the possibility of manipulation, delivering unquestionably credible outcomes that stand firm against scrutiny.
Nationwide and local testing locations in Stamford, NE, provide unmatched convenience. With centers in diverse areas, accessing tests is quick, straightforward, and stress-free.
This widespread availability ensures that individuals and companies alike can easily meet their testing requirements without hassle.
In Stamford, NE, the process of ordering and receiving hair follicle testing results is straightforward and confidential, addressing any privacy concerns individuals may have.
This ease of access and discreet handling fosters a comfortable experience for all parties involved, from test initiation to result reception.
Competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times in Stamford, NE, make hair follicle testing both affordable and efficient. Companies enjoy value for money while ensuring timely results.
These cost-effective solutions provide peace of mind, especially for organizations seeking reliable testing for their workforce.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug testing in Stamford, NE, set it apart. It's renowned for its ability to deliver accurate results rapidly, making it a preferred option for detecting substance use effectively.
When time is of the essence, the quick turnaround provided by hair follicle testing ensures expedited insights into an individual's drug usage.
Hair follicle testing reinforces compliance and peace of mind for employers in Stamford, NE. By adhering to workplace drug-free policies, it minimizes legal risks and heightens workplace safety standards.
Employers gain confidence in their due diligence and compliance efforts, bolstering a safe and secure working environment.
