Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective mechanism for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It provides a comprehensive history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When collected from near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeline of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. It's straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising approximately 200 strands of hair (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG testing, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If head hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
In the lab processing of a drug test, four key steps are involved: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. This process checks that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any extra data not available from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Though cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screening result necessitates confirmation to be permissible in legal contexts. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and set for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are separated from hair at substantially lower concentrations than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is particularly challenging.
Confirmation for any positive screen result uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is actually conducted on the hair strand and not on the follicle beneath the skin.
Hair follicle testing boasts superior detection accuracy over traditional urine tests in Stockham, NE. This method provides a much longer window of detection, allowing employers and authorities to gain clearer insights. By catching traces of substance use that might be missed by urine tests, hair testing ensures reliability and a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's history.
Hair follicle tests extend the detection window up to an impressive 90 days compared to shorter urine test timelines. This extended period offers employers in Stockham, NE a thorough review of an individual's substance use history, proving invaluable in hiring or monitoring policies. Insights gained assist in making informed, responsible decisions for both new applicants and existing employees.
Stockham, NE benefits from hair follicle drug tests because of their tamper-resistant nature. The likelihood of sample adulteration is vastly reduced, as hair tests are nearly impossible to cheat. These tests ensure the reliable capture of accurate data, providing stakeholders with unquestionable results, fortifying the integrity of the evaluation process.
Experience the convenience of having diverse testing centers with locations not just nationwide but also locally in Stockham, NE. Our services are designed to cater to a broad audience, ensuring that accessing necessary testing facilities is quick and hassle-free. With strategically positioned centers, we promise a seamless and efficient testing experience.
In Stockham, NE, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward, safeguarding privacy at every step. From the initial order to taking the test and receiving results, confidentiality is prioritized, making it easy to manage. Clients gain peace of mind with a simplistic approach that negates unnecessary complications while addressing privacy concerns.
Affordable pricing coupled with fast turnaround times defines our approach in Stockham, NE. These tests offer exceptional value for organizations of all sizes, presenting a balance between economy and rapidity. Choosing this service means benefiting from competitive pricing structures without compromising on quick and reliable outcomes.
In Stockham, NE, hair follicle drug tests are lauded for their precision and speed. They stand as a robust tool in detecting substance use, allowing for a clear and accurate result. Compared to other methods, the reliability of hair testing is unmatched. Here, tests are not only fast but also meet high standards of accuracy necessary for various professional settings.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Stockham, NE ensures enhanced compliance and peace of mind for employers. This method aligns with workplace drug-free policies seamlessly, minimizing potential legal risks. Hair tests not only enhance organizational safety but also reinforce stringent adherence to zero-tolerance standards, fostering a safer work environment.
